MAY 2017 VOLUME 79 NO. 5

Three Jones Act Ships Launched As March wound down, three new SIU-contracted vessels were in the news following launch ceremonies at various shipyards across the country. Those ships, which will sail in the Jones Act trade, are the Palmetto State (photo at right), the El Coqui (second photo below) and the American Freedom (immediately below). Featured in the group photo at the bottom of the page are American Freedom crew members (stand- ing, from left) OMU Harlan Ouellette, SA Abdulla Quraish, Chief Cook David Dingman, AB Dennis Saggese, Pumpman Felix Garcia, Chief Steward Stephen Avallone, AB Brandon Albro, Bosun Joshua Mensah, AB Arsenio Malunes, (kneeling, from left) AB Julius Thomas, Oiler Benjamin Stan- ley and AB John McEl- haney. Page 3. (Ship photos, as listed above, courtesy of General Dy- namics NASSCO, Crow- ley, and Philly Shipyard, respectively)

SIU President Featured at DOT Event Port Agent Selzer Retires ‘Turtle Ops’ Page 2 Page 4 Page 6 President’s Report

Jones Act Remains Vital Look no further than the front page of this month’s LOG to see some of the continuing positive effects of the Jones Act. As re- ported there and elsewhere in this edition, three new SIU-contracted vessels recently were launched at shipyards on all three sea coasts. There’s no way companies would make those kinds of invest- ments in domestic American-flag shipping without the Jones Act – a law that has served our nation extremely well for nearly a century. Old salts probably know the essentials of America’s freight cabotage law, but for any newcomers, the Jones Act requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard ships that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. One of the oddities about this law is that while it has always enjoyed strong bipartisan support, it also regularly comes under attack, normally by individuals and organizations with Michael Sacco no regard for the U.S. Merchant Marine or for America’s security. Those attacks range from calling for outright elimination to chipping away at isolated components such as the U.S.-build requirement or the application of the law in Puerto Rico. Fortunately, the facts are on our side. And those facts include that the Jones Act helps account for almost 500,000 American jobs. It helps maintain a pool of U.S. mariners who are available to sail on American military support ships in times of need. It pours bil- lions of dollars per year into the domestic economy. It is nothing short of critical in helping our nation maintain its shipbuilding capa- bility. In summary, the Jones Act is essential to America’s national, economic and homeland security. It’s also worth noting that most other industrialized nations SIU President Michael Sacco addresses the crowd as Secretary Chao looks on. maintain cabotage laws. (Our brothers and sisters in Canada have been successfully fighting efforts to weaken that nation’s cabotage laws.) Basically, it’s just sound policy and good common sense. For us, cabotage is an investment in America. SIU President Speaks at DOT Event Although the vessels shown on our front page this month are deep sea ships, we shouldn’t overlook the point that the Jones Act ensures that vessels plying America’s inland waterways are truly Outing Welcomes Sec. Chao, Acclaims Agency’s 50th Year domestic. Crews are carefully screened before receiving their cre- dentials, and vessel owners work with the U.S. Coast Guard and Even in a town with no shortage In addition to Sacco and Chao, the Director Brian Schoeneman were of recognizable names, the speaker other speakers were (in order) Sen. among those in attendance. Crowd other federal law enforcement agencies. lineup for the March 29 event at U.S. John Thune (R-South Dakota), for- estimates varied, but were as high as Another way to look at it was illustrated earlier this year during Department of Transportation (DOT) mer DOT Secretary Elizabeth Dole, 400-plus. the Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting. One of headquarters was noteworthy. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), Sacco told the audience that al- the guest speakers, Michael Hebert, is in charge of the U.S. Cus- The list included SIU President U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylva- though the SIU has worked with Chao toms and Border Protection’s Jones Act Division of Enforcement. Michael Sacco, one of seven speak- nia) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R- since the mid-1980s (starting during He described the law as “critical” and added: “Without the Jones ers featured at a gathering in the na- Kentucky), who is married to Chao. her time at the Maritime Adminis- Act, we would have issues in our inland river systems with national tion’s capital that served as both a CNBC reporter Ylan Mui served as tration), their friendship blossomed security. Our national security is a layered approach…. There’s no formal welcoming of DOT Secretary master of ceremonies. when she took over as Secretary of way that we could enforce our national security laws without the Elaine Chao and an observance of SIU Executive Vice President Jones Act. We have 95,000 miles of coastline in the United States. the department’s 50th anniversary. Augie Tellez and SIU Legislative Continued on Page 8 When we look at the southern border, that’s 1,900 (miles), and we’re really concerned about the southern border. But we (also) need to be concerned about our coastline and our river systems. Trumka: Time to Change Economy Without the Jones Act, we would be inundated with foreign-flag vessels and non-coastwise-qualified vessels doing business at our critical infrastructures. They would have unfettered access to our re- fineries and more, and that’s an issue to me. Along with the vessels, That is Rigged Against Workers the foreign crew that are on these vessels….” “The future is truly ours to job sites and at their banks. Those are wise words from someone outside the labor movement shape.” Trumka told the audience of who is very well-informed on the subject, and they reflect even With these words, AFL-CIO several hundred that the AFL-CIO more reasons why the Jones Act is good for America. President Richard Trumka told the would be watching what the presi- National Press Club in Washington, dent does if legislation recently D.C., on April 4 that the national passed by the House of Representa- labor federation would be active in tives eliminating project labor agree- pushing its agenda for working peo- ments on federal projects clears the ple and their families. Senate and reaches the Oval Office. “Everybody deserves (an oppor- “Will he sign or will he veto? Our tunity for) a good job,” he declared, job will be to get the facts out.” Volume 79 Number 5 May 2017 adding that the AFL-CIO would He talked about being a third- fight for all workers whether they generation coal miner, growing The SIU online: www.seafarers.org belong to a union or not. He said the up in southwestern Pennsylvania federation holds its fidelity to work- with good public schooling and af- The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the ing people and not to a particular po- fordable college “because of union Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, litical party. contracts. Now mineworkers are lob- AFL-CIO President Richard AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) In discussing the 2016 election, bying Congress for their health care Trumka outlines the fight to bring 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. he said people were “crying out for and pensions. the nation’s economy closer to POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth new economic rules” that work for “Unionism gave us the ladder the values of workers during an Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. them, which is something that ap- to the middle class,” he continued. address at the National Press Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; plied to both Donald Trump and “For too many people, that ladder’s Club. Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Hillary Clinton union voters. gone. We have to rebuild it rung by Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Trumka stated the union move- rung.” same salary as men. He called this Administrative Support, Misty Dobry; Content Curator, ment would stand with President To emphasize his point, he intro- wrong and said the “economy is out Mark Clements. Trump if what he proposes is good Copyright © 2017 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights duced Michael Smith, who lost his of balance, tilted toward the corpora- Reserved. for workers, but if the White House union job at the Chicago Nabisco tions.” “pulls the bait-and-switch, you are factory last year when the company’s “Bring the jobs home and invest going to fail.” He addressed the ad- owner, Mondelez, moved production in America,” he proclaimed. “When The Seafarers International ministration’s $1 billion infrastruc- to Mexico. “These (U.S.) factories Union engaged an environ- we stand together, we win.” mentally friendly printer ture idea as a good start but asked should not be a thing of the past,” The AFL-CIO has 55 affiliates for the production of this how the money will be spent. He Trumka avowed. (including the SIU) which represent newspaper. acknowledged he is worried when In his opening, Trumka pointed 12.5 million workers. SIU President presidential executive orders roll out that April 4 is Equal Pay Day – Michael Sacco is the federation’s back actions whose original inten- and that, on average, women have longest-serving executive council tions were to help workers at their to work an extra 100 days to get the member.

Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG May 2017 SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left in photo at left, with NASSCO VP/General Manager Kevin Graney) represented the union at the launch. In photo directly above, Graney and ship sponsor Mrs. Linda Rankine are pictured before the ceremony. Employees at General Dynamics NASSCO (above) – a union shipyard – pose under the tanker’s bow. (Second and third photos courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO) Three New Vessels Entering Jones Act Service Two Tankers, One ConRo Signal New Jobs for SIU Members The month of March ended with a flurry of news about tonnage entering the Ameri- can-flag domestic fleet. Three vessel launches – for the El Coqui, the Palmetto State and the American Free- dom – mean new jobs for SIU members as well as state-of-the-art additions to the Jones Act fleet. The El Coqui is a combination container and roll-on/roll-off (ConRo) ship built for Crowley Maritime at VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Mississippi. It was launched March 21. The Palmetto State and American Free- dom are tankers constructed for American Petroleum Tankers (APT). The Palmetto State, built at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, was celebrated in a March 25 ceremony, while the American Freedom The American Freedom is a new addition to the SIU-crewed fleet. (Photo courtesy Philly Shipyard) was welcomed March 29 at Philly Shipyard. The LNG-powered El Coqui, slated to enter service in the second half of 2017, and larger vehicles in the enclosed, venti- bottle on the tanker’s hull. She is the wife of “We are proud to deliver another ves- will now proceed through the final topside lated and weather-tight Ro/Ro decks. A Bill Rankine, manager of marine chartering sel to our partners at American Petroleum construction and testing phase, Crowley wide range of container sizes and types and operations for CITGO. Thousands of Tankers,” remarked Steinar Nerbovik, reported. can be accommodated, ranging from 20- shipbuilders, their family and friends, and Philly Shipyard’s president and CEO. “This “This was a special day for Crowley, foot standard, to 53-foot by 102-inch-wide, members of the community attended the vessel, like its predecessor, is delivered [on VT Halter Marine and all of the men and high-capacity units, as well as up to 300 re- celebration. time], and with the same resolute focus on women who designed, and who are con- frigerated containers, Crowley noted. The 50,000-dwt product carrier is LNG- quality and safety that our customers de- structing, this world-class ship,” said Tom They will be able to travel at 22 knots conversion ready and will carry 330,000 pend on. On the cusp of the shipyard’s 20- Crowley, company chairman and CEO. and are planned for service between Puerto barrels of cargo. With a specialized ECO year anniversary, we are proud of each and “We are extremely appreciative of all the Rico and Jacksonville, Florida. design, the tankers are quite energy efficient every one of our deliveries and honored to work that has been accomplished so far and Meanwhile, the 610-foot-long Palmetto and incorporate environmental protection serve some of the very best owners in the look forward to the successful delivery of State is the final ship in an eight-vessel class features, including a ballast water treatment U.S. maritime industry.” El Coquí later this year and her sister ship, built by NASSCO for APT. system, NASSCO reported. The American Freedom is based on a Taíno, in the first half of next year.” U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-California) Finally, Philly Shipyard (PSI) delivered proven Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) The ships will be 720 feet long and 106 served as the principal speaker for the chris- the American Freedom, the second of four design that also incorporates numerous fuel feet wide, and each able to transport up to tening and launch. As the ship’s sponsor, next-generation 50,000 dwt product tankers efficiency features and flexible cargo capa- 2,400 twenty-foot-equivalent container Mrs. Linda Rankine christened the vessel that it is building for APT. It’s the twenty- bility while meeting the latest regulatory units (TEUs) and a mix of nearly 400 cars with the traditional break of a champagne sixth vessel built by PSI. requirements, the shipyard reported. The vessel has received “LNG Ready Level 1” approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The 600-foot tanker has a carrying capacity of 14.5 million gallons of crude oil or refined products. American’s freight cabotage law, the Jones Act, requires cargo moving between U.S. ports to be carried on vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned Ameri- can. Stipulations such as these are not unique in the world, nor are they new to the United States (the Jones Act has been the law of the land for nearly a century). Cabotage principles in part are designed to guarantee the participation of a country’s citizens in its own domestic trade. These laws foster the development of a merchant marine and give preference to local labor and industry. More importantly, they sup- port national security and protect the do- mestic economy. According to a study by Pricewater- houseCoopers, the Jones Act helps main- tain nearly 500,000 American jobs (both shipboard and related shore-side positions) while contributing billions of dollars each year to the domestic economy. The law has always enjoyed strong bipartisan support, though it also regularly comes under attack, Philly Shipyard, formerly Aker Philadelphia, is a union facility that has produced 26 vessels. (Photo courtesy Philly Shipyard) usually by foreign-flag interests. May 2017 Seafarers LOG 3

37557_MAY2K17LOG_X.indd 3 4/25/2017 12:49:01 PM Port Agent Bobby Selzer is pictured in 2014 (photo at right) at the Jersey City hall and in an older, undated file photo (above) taken in Brooklyn. Accomplished Port Agent Bobby Selzer Retires A longtime SIU fixture and dedicated to start up a print shop in the old days, the through my learning process and always had Joe Baselice. “He would remind you daily of union employee has called it a career. LOG Press, before I worked the counter at you look into his eyes when he was explain- his part in the no-nonsense days in New York, Bobby Selzer most recently served as the the Brooklyn hall as a patrolman. I worked ing things to you so he would know you were which shaped what the SIU is today. But un- port agent in Jersey City, New Jersey, but his in three different locations, including the Jer- understanding everything he said. I thought it derneath his brash exterior, Bobby has a heart SIU tenure spanned 56 years. He was, at dif- sey hall after the move. I went wherever they was silly back then, but now, almost 40 years of gold. He loves the membership, and cares ferent times, an employee of the Seafarers needed me, even working in the LOG office later I have come to understand how benefi- about not only their livelihood but their per- LOG and the creator and supervisor of an with Herb Brand for a time.” cial that is when communicating directly sonal lives. He was a great teacher and friend SIU print shop, though most remember him Selzer became the port agent in Brooklyn with someone. to me, and I owe him a ton more gratitude than fondly as the port agent in Brooklyn, New in 1984, and it’s a job title he held until his “I appreciate Bobby for all he has done I could ever give him. He’s a great man and York. retirement. for me and all his dedication in maintaining will be missed by all of the SIU.” Brooklyn is still home for Selzer, 78, who Reflecting on his years of service, he said and supporting our union objectives,” Mar- Jersey City Port Agent Mark von Siegel retired late last year. the maritime industry has undergone many rone added. “I will always appreciate him remembered, “They broke the mold when “He is a dear friend,” said SIU Execu- modifications. and I am sending my warmest regards to him they made Bobby. When I came to work for tive Vice President Augustin Tellez, “who “The government involvement is prob- in his retirement.” the SIU as a patrolman in Brooklyn, he was introduced me to fine wine. He yelled at ably the biggest change,” he said. “As far as SIU Vice President Government Services my port agent and my mentor, and he would everybody – but that was just his way. If he union, I’d say the changes in shipping rules Kermett Mangram also wished Selzer well do anything for the membership. He would didn’t yell at you, that meant he didn’t like and regulations are very different than they in his retirement and added, “I’ve known always quote (the late SIU Vice President you. But he has a big heart, a very generous used to be. But all the changes are for the Bobby for 36 years; he was one of my closest Contracts) Red Campbell, saying, ‘The rules soul, and a bellowing laugh. He is a loyal best, of course.” friends. He’s a great guy to be around with a are there for a reason.’ He instilled those friend.” SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Mar- great sense of humor.” values in everyone, to follow the rules and Selzer joined the union in 1960, and then- rone fondly remembered working with Sel- Good-naturedly, Mangram added, “Until contracts to the letter. SIU President Paul Hall told him to start an zer: “Bobby was a mentor to me very early I met him, I never knew one person could eat “I wish him well in his retirement – he in-house print shop. This was just the first of on in my career as a patrolman in Brooklyn. a whole chicken.” certainly earned it,” von Siegel concluded. many tasks he would dutifully perform over He was very articulate on how our dispatch- “Bobby Selzer was truly one of the major “And I’d thank him for teaching me as well his career. ing duties were to be handled. He was al- building blocks of the SIU. If you doubt it, as he did, in the hopes that I could try and fill Selzer recalled, “Paul Hall asked me ways available and very helpful and patient just ask him,” said Philadelphia Port Agent his shoes.” Union Financial Committee OKs SIU’s 2016 Records Each year, in accordance with the annual financial committee along union’s constitution, a group of rank- with rules and procedures for elect- and-file members (elected by fellow ing the group. Seafarers) reviews the SIU’s financial The report reads in part, “We records for the prior calendar year. have examined the procedure for This process most recently controlling of the funds of the took place in early April, and the union and have found that the sys- committee of seven SIU members tem of internal control is adequate reported that the union’s finan- to safeguard them properly…. We cial records for 2016 are in good find that the headquarters of the order. Their report, filed with the union is taking all steps possible secretary-treasurer’s office, will be to safeguard union funds and to see read in all ports and presented for that the disbursements of the union Pictured from left to right in the photo above are (seated) Recertified Bosun Adrian Jones, Chief Cook approval at the union’s May mem- are in accordance with the author- Marilou Toledo, QMED Jason Eric Young, Recertified Bosun Brian Fountain, (standing) QMED Riley bership meetings. ity delegated to them and that, at the Donahue, Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus, Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello, Secretary-Treasurer Serving on the committee were same time, there is a striving effort David Heindel and Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta. In the photo below, committee members wrap Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello to increase day-to-day efficiency of up their work. (chairman), Recertified Bosun our operation.” Brian Fountain, QMED Jason The members reported that they Eric Young, Chief Cook Marilou met with representatives from the Toledo, Recertified Bosun Adrian certified public accounting firm Jones, Recertified Bosun Dan that periodically audits the union’s Marcus and QMED Riley Dona- books and records. Those represen- hue. They were elected April 3 at tatives explained their procedures the monthly membership meeting for checking the secretary-treasur- in Piney Point, Maryland. They fin- er’s financial report of the union’s ished their work later in the week at records, and they also further dis- the union’s headquarters building, cussed the SIU’s overall financial which is located in Camp Springs, operation. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Maryland, near the nation’s capital. David Heindel also worked with The members handled their the committee “and made himself tasks in accordance with Article X, and the records of his office avail- Section 14-c of the SIU Constitu- able” to the group, according to the tion, which lists the duties of the report.

4 Seafarers LOG May 2017

37557_MAY2K17LOG.indd 4 4/24/2017 3:22:25 PM General, Congressmen Support Merchant Marine Widespread support for the military assets and commer- He went on to express his U.S. Merchant Marine and Amer- cial partners makes a powerful alarm about the current states of ican-flag shipping was voiced in a combination that must be care- U.S. airlift and sealift capabili- joint hearing of the Subcommittee fully managed and sustained,” ties, citing a recent war game in on Readiness and Seapower and he stated. “And while I believe which planners were forced to the Projection Forces Subcom- that TRANSCOM remains ready account for transportation’s vital mittee of the House Armed Ser- today to fulfill its important mis- role – and potential loss. vices Committee on March 30. sion, I’m concerned about some “I’m concerned about our na- General Darren McDew, com- of the longer-term challenges it tional strategic sealift capability,” mander of the U.S. Transporta- will face without action by Con- he stated. “A delay in recapital- tion Command (TRANSCOM), gress. For example, while the izing our military sealift fleet cre- testified before members of the emerging build-up of our Navy ates risk in our ability to deploy House of Representatives includ- fleet has received significant at- forces across the globe. These ing: Readiness Subcommittee tention in recent months, the state concerns are compounded further Chairman Joe Wilson (R-South of our sealift capabilities is just as by merchant mariner shortages Carolina); Chairman of the important.” and the reduction of U.S.-flagged Seapower and Projection Forces vessels. Today, our resources Subcommittee Rob Wittman (R- make us capable of meeting to- Virginia); Ranking Member of the “Our nation cannot pre- day’s logistics needs. However, if Seapower and Projection Forces we don’t take action soon, many Subcommittee Joe Courtney (D- sume that a foreign-owned of our Military Sealift Command Connecticut); John Garamendi maritime sealift compo- vessels will begin to age out by (D-California); Austin Scott nent will be available dur- 2026. A significant portion of the (R-Georgia); Colleen Hanabusa ing times of conflict to DOD’s wartime cargo capability (D-Hawaii); Bradley Byrne (R- deploy into contested wa- moves on these ships.” Alabama); A. Donald McEachin ters. Our nation needs U.S. In his testimony, McDew further (D-Virginia); Duncan Hunter explained TRASCOM’s view of (R-California); Donald Norcross mariners on U.S.-flagged commercial sealift: “Historically, (D-New Jersey); Martha McSally ships.” - Congressman Rob nearly 90 percent of wartime trans- (R-Arizona); Vicky Hartzler (R- Wittman (R-Virginia) portation requirements are delivered Missouri) and Elise Stefanik (R- through strategic organic and U.S.- New York). flagged commercial sealift. In fact, Chairman Wilson opened the our strategic sealift fleet provides hearing, which focused on the He continued, “America’s the ability to deliver a decisive force Gen. Darren McDew current state of TRANSCOM, by Ready Reserve Fleet and the over great distances. Our U.S. Navy Commander, U.S. Transportation Command saying, “This hearing follows a vessels within the Maritime Se- component, the Military Sealift series of hearings and briefings curity Program are strategic and Command (MSC), provides sealift highlighting the individual readi- irreplaceable national assets. And capabilities through ship chartering, of trained merchant mariners and and the capacity of the mariners.” ness challenges of each military like other strategic assets, we prepositioning, and sustainment op- sealift capacity. It does this, and After asking McDew about the service, which further confirms must ensure that we do all we can erations while also executing opera- contributes to national defense, status of the RRF vessels, Gara- that our services are indeed in a to maintain, support, and replace tional command over the Maritime by [supporting] a robust, domes- mendi used his time to speak to readiness crisis. The cornerstone the ships that comprise them. I’m Administration’s (MARAD) Ready tic maritime industry including his fellow members, saying, “We of the U.S. military is its service deeply concerned, however, that Reserve Force ships during contin- U.S. industrial shipyard infra- can expand the American com- members; underpinning their suc- we have not paid enough attention gencies. Without a healthy and vi- structure for building, repairing, mercial maritime fleet by requir- cess is the ability of our soldiers, as a nation to the health and via- able U.S. commercial sealift fleet, and overhauling U.S. vessels.” ing that the export of oil and gas bility of our pool of vessels or the MSC surge fleet, and MARAD’s When asked by Courtney be on American-built ships. And mariner pipeline needed to crew Ready Reserve Force, our nation’s about a diminished merchant we can start at 10 percent, 15 per- “I’m deeply concerned them. As we look at addressing military may not be able to deploy mariner pool, McDew responded, cent, and then ramp it up. That some of the more urgent near that we have not paid as quickly and efficiently as it can “As you know, the merchant mar- would give us an opportunity for needs facing our sealift capabil- today.” iner force is the bedrock to how mariners to be trained and ready enough attention as a na- ity, it is important as well to have He then explained the great we move the force in our country. for the [RRF] or the MSP.” tion to the health and via- a clear and long-term path to- value of the Voluntary Intermo- It makes the difference between Among his questions for the bility of our pool of vessels wards fully recapitalizing our sea- or the mariner pipeline lift fleet and the mariners needed needed to crew them.” - to man them. In the near term, I “If we don’t take action soon, many of our Military Sealift Command vessels will begin to age Congressman Joe Courtney believe we need to take action to out by 2026. A significant portion of the DOD’s wartime cargo capability moves on these ships.” (D-Connecticut) ensure that the MSP has the re- sources and support it needs.” - Gen. Darren McDew, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command Wittman noted his concern over the availability of trained sailors, airmen and Marines to go U.S. mariners, saying, “The Mar- dal Sealift Agreement (VISA) us being the most powerful mili- general, Hunter asked about the where they are needed and have itime Administration has indi- and the related Maritime Security tary in the world and us not being importance of the Jones Act for fully operational equipment ready cated that our commercial sector Program (MSP). the most powerful military in the the maritime industrial base. to be used. does not have sufficient mariners “Over time, MSP has provided world. There are nations around McDew replied, “There are sev- “While I firmly believe the to sustain a prolonged mobiliza- access to required commercial the world that wish they had the eral pieces of U.S. law that are United States military remains tion of our Ready Reserve forces. U.S.-flag shipping assets, while power projection ability we have. part of the industrial base and the world’s best, I’m concerned Our nation cannot presume that also supporting the pool of mer- The mariner force we have today it’s not just one. The Jones Act about shortfalls in readiness and a foreign-owned maritime sealift chant mariners needed to operate is insufficient to go to war for an is probably the anchor for it, but the trend lines that we see,” he component will be available dur- MSC’s surge and Ready Reserve extended period of time.” without the Jones Act, without continued. “U.S. Transportation ing times of conflict to deploy Fleet,” McDew said. “In this way, Wittman asked about the RRF the Maritime Security Program, Command enables our military to into contested waters. Our nation the MSP significantly contributes and whether the nation could without cargo preference, our deliver an immediate and power- needs U.S. mariners on U.S.- to the supply of merchant mari- sustain an activation. McDew re- maritime industry is in jeopardy ful force against U.S. adversaries flagged ships.” ners available to serve on U.S. plied, “We believe we have the and our ability project the force anywhere in the globe, through In his opening statement, Gen. vessels in time of war while miti- numbers of ships to be able to is in jeopardy. If we think we airlift, air refueling and our stra- McDew said in part, “I wanted to gating future risk to our national start the initial deployment and need to project our force with tegic sealift.” emphasize the vital role that you commercial capacity. Along with maybe the second round of de- U.S.-flagged vessels, with U.S. Ranking Member Courtney mentioned, that our commercial MSP, The Merchant Marine Act ployments. But maybe beyond mariners on board, we need all of echoed those concerns. “Under industry, who I call our fourth of 1920, also known as the Jones that we’re starting to be hurt by those things right now to secure TRANSCOM, the mix of organic component, plays in our success.” Act, provides an additional pool how available these ships will be that.”

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney U.S. Rep. John Garamendi U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter May 2017 Seafarers LOG 5

37557_MAY2K17LOG.indd 5 4/24/2017 3:22:35 PM With Seafarers Aboard Maersk Michigan ‘Turtle Ops’ Result In Reptilian Freedom

Editor’s note: Many thanks to USNS Invincible vessel master Capt. Bradford Collins for the photos and write-up that follows. The Invincible is operated by Crowley.

On March 29, the USNS Invincible’s bridge team spotted a turtle in trouble. A large turtle was badly entangled in nets and fishing line. With no pending operations, we immediately commenced “Turtle Ops.” – rescue that turtle! The bow thruster was brought online and the ship was maneu- vered to bring the turtle alongside and on board. The Invincible’s personnel – from Crowley, U.S. Navy Security, USAF and Raytheon – responded and carried out this rescue. With the turtle aboard, via the side port, the nets and fishing lines were cut away. The no-longer-distressed turtle was released back overboard. The quick response of the ship’s crew to a life in distress, and the maneuvering of the vessel to facilitate the safe shipboard recovery of a life, albeit a turtle, is indeed a demonstration of an unannounced “man overboard” rescue. The Invincible’s diligent crew and teams responded beautifully as a cohesive unit.

The photo above was captured by Captain Pham while the vessel was docked at Port Fujairah, UAE. Pictured from left to right are QMED Jason Young, Steward Devalence Smiley, QMED Ted Gonzales, AB Kareem Baxter, AB Tomas Robinson, AB Osei Baffoe (wearing protective gear due to wind and high temperatures), AB Greg Baker, GVA Alex Domadigo, AB Jose Argueta and Chief Cook Cecil Husted. Governor Reappoints SIU Port Agent To Position on Louisana Authority

SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook leum products, and containers. The recently was reappointed by the 2,238-acre site, with depths up to governor to serve another term as a 108 feet, is owned by the State of commissioner on the Louisiana In- Louisiana.” ternational Deep Water Gulf Trans- Westbrook came up through the fer Authority (LIGTT). ranks, sailing on vessels operating Westbrook, based at the SIU hall in the Mississippi River and in the in Harvey, Louisiana, has worked on Gulf of Mexico. He worked his the commission since 2008. He was way up to chief engineer during a nominated for reappointment by the five-year shipboard career. Louisiana State AFL-CIO, where Both as a rank-and-file mari- he serves on the executive board as ner and as a union official, he has special assistant to the president on completed numerous maritime maritime. safety courses. He graduated from The LIGTT is working to facili- a number of those classes at the tate construction of what some have Maryland-based Paul Hall Center described as an “offshore mega- for Maritime Training and Educa- port.” The organization describes tion, a highly regarded facility that the project as “envisioned to be is affiliated with the SIU. America’s first deep water transfer Westbrook is the president of terminal designed to accommodate the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades De- the demands of Post-Panamax and SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook partment’s Port Council of Greater larger Cape Size vessels…. The New Orleans and Vicinity. He is a centerpiece of the system is a deep member of the nominating com- water transfer terminal to be located just east of the mittee for the Port of New Orleans, Jefferson and St mouth of the Mississippi River where the Southwest Bernard Parish board of commissioners. Addition- Pass meets the Gulf of Mexico. It is anticipated the ally, he has served on the U.S. Coast Guard’s New terminal will be equipped to handle bulk cargo, petro- Orleans Area Maritime Security Committee.

New SHBP Documents Available on SIU Website

The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) efits. Currently, the SHBP and the other Plans also recently updated its Guide to Your Benefits for Par- mail these documents to participants. ticipants at the Core-Plus and Core Benefit Levels. The Seafarers Plans will soon send participants The new version, dated February 2017, contains the a letter requesting consent to receive these, and most current information about health benefits for other non-confidential Plan documents electroni- employees and their dependents who are eligible for cally only. Since the electronic versions are always Core-Plus or Core health benefits. It is available on- available regardless of an individual’s location, it line at www.seafarers.org, under the Member Ben- is generally more convenient to view the electronic efits tab, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. documents. It also avoids using resources on print- The SHBP and the other Seafarers Plans post all ing and mailing thousands of copies of documents. information about changes in benefits and general The Seafarers Plans encourages participants to read notices about the Plans on www.seafarers.org in this consent form, and send it back to the Plans as order to keep participants informed about their ben- soon as possible. These images show the tangled turtle, the mess it was caught in, and the glorious moment of initial freedom. 6 Seafarers LOG May 2017

37557_MAY2K17LOG_X.indd 6 4/25/2017 12:49:05 PM Maersk Honors Recertified Steward Juan Hernandez

An enthusiastic Seafarer recently re- “As a true professional, you manage ceived recognition for his consistently ex- to balance quality, quantity, wellness and cellent work. creative menu planning while remain- Recertified Steward Juan Vallejo Her- ing within budget,” the letter continued. nandez earned a letter of commendation “[Even though] you make it look easy, we and a chef’s knife set from Maersk Line, know it is not.” Limited (MLL). The letter cited the mari- In a separate communication, Hanley ner’s “consistently top-notch performance described the recertified steward as “a and dedication to duty while aboard the skilled and dedicated professional whose Maersk Kinloss and other Maersk ves- pride and passion for his craft is uplifting sels. Your professional skills, dedication to and inspiring.” those you serve and department leadership Vallejo Hernandez joined the union in is an inspiration to all.” 2001, and he completed the Paul Hall Cen- Signed by MLL Vice President of Labor ter’s steward recertification course in 2012. Relations Ed Hanley and MLL Port Stew- At that time, he stated, “The SIU has been ard Rich Fellone, the letter (presented a true blessing not only for me, but also March 29 in Norfolk, Virginia) also cred- for everyone else who has stepped forward ited Vallejo Hernandez for helping gener- and accepted the challenge of becoming ate “the highest crew satisfaction scores in a highly trained maritime professional…. food service” for two consecutive years in The SIU provides job security for its mem- the company’s employee engagement sur- bers and secures a future in the maritime Seafarer Juan Vallejo Hernandez (left) accepts a chef’s knife set from MLL Port Steward vey. industry for generations to come.” Rich Fellone. ITF, AMP Praise Jones Act Important Notices The Jones Act recently was de- concerns that inland waterway access fended by domestic and international would provide, without the Jones Act allies, as both the American Maritime … there is a strategic concern over the Partnership (AMP) and the Interna- potential loss of control of U.S. com- Avoid Mishaps When Enrolling for Direct Deposit tional Transport Workers’ Federation merce to a foreign economy.” (ITF) made strong statements in support During his keynote remarks at the SIU members are encouraged to be me- a test file to the bank the first time; however, if of America’s freight cabotage law. event, Admiral Paul Zukunft, USCG ticulous when signing up for direct deposit of you enter a valid bank account number, even if The SIU is affiliated with both or- commandant, succinctly stated, “I do vacation checks. it is not yours, the bank will not notify us of an ganizations. not advocate for the repeal of the Jones As previously reported in the LOG and error. We recently had this problem occur and On April 4, during a panel discus- Act. We will lose our mariners. We will elsewhere, Seafarers can sign up for direct de- are working with the bank to fix it, but it takes sion at the U.S. Navy League’s Sea- lose our shipyards.” posit by entering the appropriate banking in- a long time. So, double check your informa- Air-Space Exposition near the nation’s Earlier that week, while speaking on capital, Thomas A. Allegretti, chairman the “Sea Services Update” panel discus- formation through the member portal account tion before submitting your application, and of AMP, called the industry’s relation- sion, Joel Szabat, executive director of (linked on the union’s home page). However, a (monitor) your account afterwards if you are ship with the U.S. Coast Guard and the MARAD, highlighted the importance recent development prompted Seafarers Plans expecting a deposit.” Customs and Border Protection “one of the Jones Act to maintaining military Administrator Maggie Bowen to note, “Please The case in question involved inadvertent of our most important partnerships” shipbuilding capacity and sustaining a keep in mind that we do not see your bank- entry of the wrong account number – and it because of the role they play in U.S. qualified U.S. Merchant Marine base. ing information, so you need to verify that you happened to be another person’s account, so homeland security. “The Jones Act ensures a U.S.- have entered the correct information. We send that’s where the deposit went. The event brought together the U.S. flagged fleet and domestic trade, in- defense industrial base, private-sector cluding large tankers that employ the U.S. companies and key military deci- qualified mariners we need,” said Drug Testing for MMC Renewal sion makers. Allegretti was joined by Szabat. “[It] supports a peacetime ship- current and former officials from the building industry so our shipyards and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and U.S. superbly trained workforce stay in busi- National Maritime Center Issues Release Which Maritime Administration (MARAD) ness during lulls in military shipbuild- for the panel: “Maritime Transporta- ing.” tion: Partnerships in Preserving U.S. A few days later, on April 6, while Outlines Options for Mariner Credential Applications Commerce.” the ITF Cabotage Task Force was meet- The panel presented an opportunity ing in Oslo, Norway, they applauded Editor’s note: The National Maritime (3) A letter on company or consortium sta- for Allegretti and fellow participants, the United States Department of Jus- Center issued the following news release on tionary signed by an authorized official that including RADM Paul F. Thomas of tice’s announcement that the company March 22. administers the drug testing program stating the USCG, Jim Caponiti of the Ameri- Furie Operating Alaska LLC has agreed that the applicant has been subject to random can Maritime Congress, and Anthony to pay $10 million “to satisfy a civil 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part drug testing for at least 60 days during the pre- Fisher of MARAD, to discuss the im- penalty originally assessed against it by 10 requires that all applicants for the original vious 185 days, has not failed any tests, and portance of working together in the US Customs and Border Protection for issuance or renewal of a Merchant Mariner has not refused to participate in any required U.S. marine transportation system. Al- violating the Jones Act.” Credential (MMC) and applicants seeking test. legretti’s remarks focused on the collab- As reported by the Department of certain raises in grade or new endorsements (4) Active duty or reserve military mem- oration between and among America’s Justice (DOJ), the company was penal- must provide evidence of having passed a bers may provide a letter from their com- commercial maritime industry, the ized for transporting a jack-up drill rig chemical test for dangerous drugs or meet the mand stating that they have passed a required Coast Guard and CBP to strengthen from the Gulf of Mexico to Alaska in requirements for an exemption from testing in chemical test for dangerous drugs within the economic, national and homeland se- 2011 using a foreign-flag vessel with- accordance with 46 CFR 16.220. If an appli- previous six months. Active duty military curity and provide critical training and out acquiring a Jones Act waiver. This safety programs to support the U.S. is believed to be the largest Jones Act cant fails to meet this requirement, the Coast members may also provide a letter from their Merchant Marine. penalty in the nearly century-long exis- Guard will not issue the MMC. To meet this command stating that they have been subject “The absence of a Jones Act would tence of the law. requirement, applicants may submit one of the to random drug testing for the past six months leave a huge, gaping security hole in While the task force’s preference following: and have not failed any tests. Random testing American homeland security,” said is for proper adherence to individual (1) A completed drug test form (Federal letters are not accepted for reserve military Allegretti. “This partnership between nations’ respective cabotage laws, it’s Drug Testing Custody and Control Form or members. our American companies, crews, and critical that when regulations are vio- CG-719P) signed by the Medical Review Of- (5) Civilian government mariners with the government is valuable almost beyond lated, those breaking the rules are held ficer (MRO) showing the applicant has passed Military Sealift Command, U.S. Army Corps measure. It is a partnership that is smart, accountable, they said. a chemical test for dangerous drugs. Passing a of Engineers, and National Oceanic and At- efficient and, most important, makes Speaking from the Oslo meeting, the chemical test for dangerous drugs means that mospheric Administration may provide a let- our nation more secure.” task force’s chair and SIU of Canada the result of a chemical test conducted accord- ter from their command or headquarters as He added, “Today there is an array President James Given said, “This is ing to 49 CFR part 40 was reported as ‘‘nega- proof that they have been enrolled in a bona of maritime training institutions and a really momentous decision. The size tive’’ by an MRO. The National Maritime fide drug testing program and have been sub- programs that produce American mari- of the fine, the decisiveness and resolu- Center will not accept any other chemical test ject to random drug testing for at least 60 days ners – the best mariners in the world. tion of the decision and commitment to result including “negative – dilute”. during the previous 185 days. The letter must The symphony of training programs is future action are the strongest possible (2) A letter on company or consortium sta- also certify that the mariner has not failed or interconnected and coordinated under markers of the importance and value of tionery signed by an authorized official that refused participation in a chemical test for the oversight of our primary federal the Jones Act.” administers the drug testing program stating dangerous drugs. partner, the U.S. Coast Guard, along David Heindel, chair of the ITF Sea- that the applicant passed a test for dangerous Have questions or comments? Contact the with the Maritime Administration. This farers’ section and SIU secretary-trea- drugs within the previous six months with no NMC by using our Online Chat or Ticketing partnership is the reason American surer, added, “Once again the Jones Act mariners are the most competent, the has been rightly used to defend safe and subsequent positive drug tests during the re- System, by e-mailing [email protected], most proficient and the best trained in lawful maritime operations in American mainder of the six-month period. or by calling 1-888-I-ASK-NMC (427-5662). the world.” waters. This is the right decision at the Fisher noted, “Beyond the tactical right time.” May 2017 Seafarers LOG 7

37557_MAY2K17LOG.indd 7 4/24/2017 3:22:38 PM Elizabeth Dole U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster Elaine Chao Former U.S. Senator/ U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Pennsylvania) U.S. Transportation Secretary Transportation Secretary (R-Kentucky) Sacco Addresses Audience During DOT’s 50th Anniversary Event Continued from Page 2 with our industry, and she always pushes to keep a safe distance, reducing the number of come up with positive solutions to the challenges highway fatalities,” she continued. “Our infra- Labor during the George W. Bush administra- we face. I know that her door is always open, and structure will be ‘smart’ – like our phones – so it tion beginning in 2001. that’s all anyone can ask…. There is simply no can talk to and direct all the vehicles around it. “During those years,” Sacco stated, “whether one better qualified for this job.” Around the world, drones are already in the air we were meeting here in the nation’s capital, or Chao focused her remarks on emerging inspecting agriculture, delivering packages and at a ship christening, or at our affiliated school in technology, safety, and the evolution of related improving railway, pipeline and shipping safety. Maryland for a convention or a graduation, I got American jobs. And new, satellite-based guidance systems will to know not only Secretary Chao the leader, but “When I first came to the department so make aviation more reliable and safer. Long also Elaine the person. That’s when I realized many years ago, smart phones and drones were delays at the airport will become the exception she’s so compassionate and caring. That’s when part of the Star-Trek universe,” she said. “Well, rather than the rule.” I really got a taste of how energetic she is. That’s they’re not science fiction anymore! Today, we New challenges accompany change, she when I heard her speak to our students at the are seeing a technological revolution that will pointed out: “And the Department of Transpor- school, and to our crew members on our ships. change the way we work, live, travel, and con- tation will be at the forefront of shaping this I saw how much she wanted them to succeed.” duct commerce. And this department has an un- change, by focusing on the three priorities at He also described the widespread, positive precedented opportunity to help shape that future the heart of our mission: enhancing safety, re- reaction in the SIU when Chao was nominated for our country.” furbishing infrastructure and preparing for the to her current post last November. The secretary said that technology like future.” “At that time, I heard from so many people what’s being used for self-driving cars “has the Chao also said, “As the former Secretary of in my organization, I couldn’t believe it,” Sacco potential to change our lives in ways we can’t Labor, I am concerned about the impact of tech- recalled. “The calls and messages were nonstop. imagine. The trend of ownership of personal nology on workers and jobs. Smart technology The reason for all those messages was because vehicles is evolving. Many people may choose will still require human interaction to function at everyone in my organization was excited…. A ride sharing in self-driving cars over personal its best. But the new jobs being created will re- big reason for that reaction is because we know ownership. Design and construction of future quire higher skills and digital literacy. So, edu- Elaine is not only a tremendous leader, but also buildings, therefore, will not need as much park- cation and skills training will be more important someone we respect; someone we admire; and ing space as they do today. than ever before. We need to help ease the transi- someone we trust.” “Self-driving cars and trucks will talk to each tion. The changes and challenges we face today U.S. Sen. John Thune He continued, “She has valuable experience other – vehicle to vehicle communication – and are opportunities to work together.” (R-South Dakota)

Among those pictured on the dais during the National Anthem are (from left, starting second from left) CNBC reporter Ylan Mui, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe U.S. Sen./Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and U.S. Sen. John Thune. (D-Virginia)

8 Seafarers LOG May 2017

37557_MAY2K17LOG_X.indd 8 4/25/2017 1:08:27 PM WWII Mariner Highlights Heroic History Legislation Would Honor Remaining Seafarers from ‘Greatest Generation’

Editor’s note: The following message and sponded to the call to continually serve our the accompanying sidebar were written by country. Dave Yoho, a member of the American Mer- On June 22, 1944, President Roosevelt chant Marine Veterans (AMMV) who - as a signed into law the “G.I. Bill,” which was member of the NMU - served on a T/2 tanker presented to him by both houses. On that during World War II. He now works as a date, and for the record, he stated: “I trust public speaker, and was inspired to write the Congress will soon provide similar opportu- letter by the introduction of H.R. 154, the nities to the members of the Merchant Ma- Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act rines who have risked their lives time and of 2017. time again during the war for the welfare of Yoho submitted the letter to Christopher their country.” Edyvean, the president of the AMMV, who Unfortunately, President Roosevelt died passed it along to the Seafarers LOG. As in April of 1945 and his desires and intent stated in the organization’s constitution, were not fulfilled. It took 43 years (till “The American Merchant Marine Veterans 1988) of struggle through our own medical is a not-for-profit pro-American organization bills, getting further education or buying a established to gain recognition for what the home. These rights were finally given to us men of the American Merchant Marine have in 1988 when we were in our mid 60s; some accomplished for our country in war and over 70. peace.” We served as we were called upon to More than 1,200 SIU members gave their do. We were volunteers who pledged our lives during World War II. The union fought lives and service for this great country. We for decades to secure veterans’ status for gave up our youth and our maturing years. WWII mariners; the recognition finally came Three-and-a-half percent of us died in that in 1988, though it wasn’t until 1996 that the service. Many thousands more carried their cutoff date for seamen was extended to match injuries both physical and psychological the one used for the armed services. through their post war lives. Ever proud of our country, we stand as able when our We are like grains of sand on the vast national anthem is played and when our flag seashore of life. We are part of a rapidly is presented. eroding station of life. We are old and Vet- At functions where the military services erans of World War II. are honored we applaud as each service There were 16 million U.S. service men hears their music played. Ours (heave ho) is in uniform – from a population of about seldom, if ever rendered. 130 million. Our special group represented We support our country, yet in our pain 250,000 of those Veterans. Now, less than and remembrance, we hear that our earnings 2,500 of us remain. Located at the main entrance to the Paul Hall Memorial Library in Piney Point, Maryland, far exceeded those in the other services, We were called to service by a great this monument honors the more than 1,200 SIU members who gave their lives during which was not true. A boatswain mate in president (Franklin D. Roosevelt), and leg- World War II. the Navy made approximately $2,250 per islation was enacted for the creation of this year and received tax exemption of $1,500. special group. off our eastern seaboard. submarines, which rapidly diminished their A Merchant Marine equivalent (an able sea- We were issued and required to wear From Nova Scotia down to Florida and numbers. man) was paid approximately $2,600 per uniforms, trained and marched in a military further, these ships traveled without special The beautiful World War II Memo- year all subject to income tax. If perchance, manner; we had to go through guards to get armament, guns or ammunition and without rial in Washington, D.C., pays tribute to his ship was sunk or he became a prisoner in to our base and we could not leave with- convoy – following the routes and going to Murmansk as a critical battlefield of that of war, his pay stopped while the Army or out special documentation. We were taught ports mandated by the U.S. Navy. war. Yet, this is but of one of those bloody, Navy veteran received full pay, medical at- wartime techniques, the use of anti-aircraft In those first seven months of World life-destroying encounters in which we par- tention for dependents and medical benefits guns, and each day our regimentation was War II, 300 ships were sunk and 3,000 sea- ticipated and for which we paid dearly with post-war. We received $1 per day if taken supervised in a military manner with penal- men died right off that eastern coastline of our lives. prisoner and no access to the benefits af- ties for the violation of good-conduct rules the United States. The majority of us were very young forded to Army, Navy, Coast Guard and or military dress. In a distant place called Murmansk, Rus- when we enlisted; many under the age of Marines. We were all volunteers; we were present sia, American and allied ships were called 18; some were 16 or 17 years of age. We We suffered post-war injuries to both on all five continents on which that war was upon to deliver the goods of war. These were trained in a military environment and mind and body including but not limited to fought. We were wherever allied fighting ships, laden with tanks, trucks, planes, am- put on ships at graduation. malaria, ulcers, H-Pylori and post-traumatic forces were called upon, at every invasion, munition, fuel, clothing and food, sailed When the war ended, we had the highest stress. For 43 years (until 1988) we were on every sea and ocean. through ice and seas so cold that those who casualty rate of any of the services. Even denied those health care benefits, which The Coast Guard administered our were forced to abandon ship survived for then, President Harry Truman implored were made available to all other Veterans. records and training and the U.S. Navy less than 10 minutes before going to their us to remain in service to bring home the We waited patiently as others affected controlled the scheduling, departure and watery grave. No ships were permitted to troops from five continents, to transport by World War II were acknowledged and destination for those ships on which we stop or slow down to rescue survivors. On and bring supplies, machinery and other were given both kudos and compensation. served. In the seven months which followed one occasion, supporting combat ships were equipment of peace to the needy world. At We mourn our brother Mariners who have our entry into war, many of us served on withdrawn from merchant ships and their war’s ending, we were eager to return to “passed” and their families who cry out for ships which sailed through hostile waters crews were left to face German ships and our homes and families, yet most of us re- recognition and ask you to support HR.154.

The highest percentage of maritime service Fable: Once in the U.S. Merchant Ma- since passed. U.S. Merchant Mariners Facts & Fables recruits were under 19 years of age. Some rine, you could no longer be drafted. were, and still are in many cases, denied were unable to meet the physical require- Fact: If after a hazardous voyage or burial in military cemeteries. In many Fact: Our war ended 72 years ago. Our ments of the other services. Some over the otherwise, you waited for another ship for cases, the American Legion and the VFW life began anew. We licked our wounds. age of 35 were draft exempt and still vol- more than 30 days, you could be drafted. do not permit membership. We bound our emotional hurts and moved unteered to do their part. African-Ameri- our lives forward. Today, in our twilight can recruits may have opted in because we Fable: An injured U.S. Merchant years, we experience the continuing loss of were the only totally integrated service. Mariner had the right to sue and require our comrades, the dimming of our senses the owners of the ship to compensate for and the discomfort that comes from dis- Fable: The U.S. Merchant Marine re- medical bills and loss of income. appointment. We’ve read and heard the ceived inordinate benefits when in combat Fact: In many cases, the ships were rumors and the misinformation. Only we, zone. owned by the U.S. government. One ex- or those who faced World War II in like Fact: There were bonuses if the ship ample would be W.E.T. (War Emergency circumstances, can cause reflection on were bombed or sunk and limited bonuses Tankers) built by the government, some- these implications. So, we look to you and if your ship was in a combat zone. In my times leased but always regulated in terms pray that you will support our plea. Give earlier example, the coastline of the east- of usage by the U.S. Navy. The concept us hearing and an opportunity to dispel ern United States and a vast part of the of suing for justifiable injuries, lingering misinformation. Let your actions speak to Pacific Ocean were not considered combat diseases or loss of compensation is com- our plea. Let us be remembered for what zones (no bonus). plicated and largely unmanageable. we did and how we fulfilled our oath. Fable: The U.S. Merchant Mariner was Fable: Granting U.S. Merchant Fable: The U.S. Merchant Marine was well rewarded for all his risk. Mariners access to the G.I. Bill (in 1988) a harbor for those trying to avoid the draft. Fact: If the ship was sunk, disabled compensated them for any inequities they Fact: The original wartime draft was or if a mariner was taken as a prisoner of might have experienced. for those 18 years or older. Some volun- war (approximately 800 were) their pay Fact: Forty-three years after the war teers might have opted out of the U.S. stopped and no benefits were extended ended the average mariner was over 60, Army. That was also probably true of The author of both of the foregoing pieces prior to or during captivity. sometimes 70 years of age. Any need for is Dave Yoho. The photo above of him some Navy and Coast Guard volunteers. a mortgage or college education had long was taken during World War II.

May 2017 Seafarers LOG 9

37557_MAY2K17LOG_X.indd 9 4/25/2017 12:49:11 PM WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Tugboat ABOARD THE GREEN COVE – ABs Anak Raja (left) and Jonas Libang are pictured aboard the Central Gulf Lines vessel in Captain Jack Hays (right) of G&H Towing picks up Livorno, Italy. his first pension check at the new hall. He is pictured with SIU VP Dean Corgey, who described Hays as “a well-respected tug captain, family man and stand- up SIU guy.” Hays joined the union in 1987. At Sea and Ashore With the SIU

ATC SHIP’S FINAL FRONTIER – Port Agent Jeff Turkus submitted these photos from Alaska Tanker Company’s Alaskan Frontier just before the vessel went into a deep lay-up. Pictured from left to right (photo at lower right) are Capt. Kevin Trivitt, Recertified Bosun Carlos Lou- reiro and ATC Marine Superintendent Capt. Bill Gould. Pictured from left in the galley (photo at upper right) are SA Leroy Jenkins, Chief Cook Justo Reyes and Chief Steward Jeffrey Badua. Pictured in the large group photo above are (seated) GUDE Ramzi Jinah and (stand- ing) Loureiro, QE4 Marion Collins, Reyes, Badua, GUDE Enrique Ampil, Bosun Chris Rosado, AB Saleem Mohamed, QE4 Cory Hann and AB Augusto Barbareno. The Alaskan Frontier is pictured below.

10 Seafarers LOG May 2017

37557_MAY2K17LOG.indd 10 4/24/2017 3:22:50 PM FULL BOOKS IN PINEY POINT – Picking up their respective full membership books from Port Agent Pat Vandegrift (right in each photo) are Chief Cook Israel Coronel photo at immediate left ) OMU Wilfredo Lopez (above, center) and QEP Oscar Cordero (above, right). At Sea and Ashore With the SIU

JOB WELL DONE – Houston-area SIU personnel recently re- ceived an award from the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federa- tion (ALF) for dedication to phone banking and other support of FULL BOOK IN FLORIDA – AB Rosy Zahariev ABOARD GREEN LAKE – Chief Cook Jesus Pacheco (left) pro-worker candidates in last year’s elections. Pictured at the (left) picks up her full book at the hall in Fort Lau- greats longtime friend Capt. Bill Joyce aboard the Central Gulf labor event are (from left) SIU Patrolman Joe Zavala, Linda derdale, Florida. She’s pictured with Port Agent vessel. They previously sailed together on Horizon Lines ships. Morales of the ALF and SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes. Kris Hopkins.

– Deck department Seafarers are pictured March ABOARD M/V NORFOLK – Pictured aboard ABOARD CABLE SHIP DECISIVE the vessel during a recent passage from Sa- 23 aboard the Tyco vessel just before arrival at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Up top guenay, Quebec, to Charleston, South Caro- WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILADELPHIA – is Splicer-Joiner Keithan Bland, while in front are (from left) Bosun’s Mate Jerry Dingal, lina are Steward/Baker Mark Brooks (left) Longtime Seafarer Don Perry (left) picks up AB Thomas Flores, AB Eric Collier, AB Alex Reyes, Splicer-Joiner Justice Agha-Kuo- and ACU Edwin Sebastian. A cargo superin- his first pension check at the union hall. Con- fie, Bosun Victor Nunez, Splicer-Joiner Emilio Abreu, (rear) AB Santos Contreras, and tendent on board the Argent Marine gratulating him is Patrolman Andre MacCray. Splicer-Joiner Alan Lumansoc. Thanks to Chief Officer Tim McDonald for the photo. ship during the voyage noted the fol- lowing: “It has been my pleasure to have been a working guest aboard the ship for a period of about two weeks; in that time, these two men not only impressed me with their in- dividual dedication to high standards and the conscientious accomplish- ment of their duties, but they’re fine shipmates who work together to form a cooperative, harmonious, and co- active team. Mark and Ed are a credit to their ship and their union.”

ABOARD PHILADELPHIA EX- PRESS – QEE Lionel Rivera submit- ted this photo (at immediate right) of the entire SIU crew aboard the Marine Personnel and Provisioning vessel. ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – Shar- ing a laugh during a coffee break aboard the Tote-operated vessel are Bosun John Cedeno (left) and AB Jorge Cor- rales Barrantes. May 2017 Seafarers LOG 11

37557_MAY2K17LOG.indd 11 4/24/2017 3:22:57 PM Opportunity Found Recertified Stewards Reflect on SIU Career Advancement They come from different backgrounds and various parts from a few different halls. She thanked union and school of- of the country, but for the union’s newest class of recertified ficials as well as her family for being supportive. stewards, one unmistakable commonality involves capitaliz- “I’ve seen the world three times and made outstanding ing on the career opportunities they’ve found via the SIU and money through the years,” she continued. “I was (previously) its affiliated school in Maryland. a bartender for 27 years. I went from the tail and made the In keeping with tradition, those eight class members re- head – I stand before you today a recertified steward.” cently described their respective journeys and also offered Reynolds said she found the computer lab especially use- insights to the apprentices in the audience during the April ful. She also thanked SIU officials for “fighting to protect our membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland – home of jobs.” the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC). Graduating from the three-week recertification pro- Arturo Rodriguez gram April 3 were Verleshia Robinson, Richard Jones, Se- “I started sailing in 1987, and the SIU changed my life,” dell Mitchell Reynolds, Arturo Rodriguez, Gilbert Louis, stated Rodriguez, who ships from Houston. “It took a lot of Joseph Welle, Lionel Packnett and Ernest Carlos. work, courage, purpose and faith, but I have humbly reached The course is considered the school’s top steward depart- the last stage of my professional career. I am so blessed to be ment curriculum. It covers a wide range of topics including in an institution like the SIU to give me purpose and so many computer technology, social responsibilities, leadership, opportunities.” Coast Guard updates, baking skills and other department-spe- He thanked the instructors not only for their guidance but cific workshops on sanitation, nutrition and more. The course also for their friendship. also offers insights to collective bargaining agreements, func- Rodriguez also said that he previously had upgraded nine tions of the various departments within both the SIU and the different times at the PHC, “but this class was the best expe- Seafarers Plans, and the union’s affiliations with the Mari- rience in all my time with the SIU, partly because I learned time Trades Department and its parent group, the AFL-CIO. about every aspect of the union. This class definitely will Following are highlights of the graduation speeches (in help us when we return to the ships.” chronological order), supplemented in some cases by written comments submitted to the LOG. Gilbert Louis Louis described joining the union in 2001 as “one of the Verleshia Robinson best decisions I ever made.” He said he has earned a good liv- A Seafarer since 2005 but a mariner for the last 28 years, ing, supported his family, travelled and “experienced things Robinson said the union “has been important in my life be- most people only dream about.” cause it has helped me improve my learning abilities, finan- Louis also initially drew good-natured laughs when he cially support and invest in my family members’ education at cited “time off” as one of the benefits of his career, but the some of the most prestigious universities in the United States, chuckles quickly gave way to nods of agreement as he ex- and because of continuous employment.” plained that extended breaks allow for “quality time” with She thanked the union’s headquarters officials (“President family and friends. Mike Sacco, you are the best”) along with PHC instructors Currently sailing from Norfolk, Virginia, Louis said he and staff for their hard work and encouragement. Like her enjoyed learning about the union’s structure “and what it classmates, she also came away from the course with a re- takes to keep the industry in the United States. It is vital to Pictured from left to right following the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, are SIU VP Tom Orzechowski, Joseph Welle, Arturo Rodriguez, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Verleshia Rob- newed appreciation for why the SIU is politically active, and keep our coalitions and reach out to our congressional repre- Ernest Carlos inson, Port Agent Georg Kenny, Richard Jones, Sedell Mitchell Reynolds, (rear) VP Contracts George Tricker, President Michael Sacco, Ernest Carlos, Gilbert Louis and Lionel Packnett. she pointed out the corresponding need for strong participa- sentatives to support us…. I thank our union officials. I saw tion in SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. firsthand their work on our behalf.” A frequent upgrader who ships from the Houston hall, she me a career opportunity.” noted, “Each time I return to Piney Point, the school is con- Joseph Welle He thanked all the chefs and academic instructors at the Stewards Share Words of Wisdom tinuously improving all throughout the campus. The school is For Welle, who graduated from the apprentice program school for their help both during the class and throughout always building on educational programs for all members in all in 1996, the union not only has offered a career path but also his career. With Paul Hall Center Apprentices departments to help ensure that we continue to be the best.” helped him recover from a tragedy, he said. Packnett concluded, “We need to continue to donate to “I stand before you today to testify how great this union is SPAD and participate in union activities. I would like to Richard Jones to me and my family,” said Welle, who sails from Wilming- thank the union leadership for their hard work protecting our Here’s a sampling of be accomplished through clear Jones is a 1999 graduate of the apprentice program who ton, California. “When I lost my son six years ago, this union jobs and keeping us working.” advice given to Paul Hall goals and hard work.” Center apprentices by the Arturo Rodriguez now sails from Jacksonville, Florida. He cited steady employ- helped me stand back on my feet to provide for my family, Ernest Carlos union’s newest class of ment and schedule flexibility as two of the main reasons he’s and I will be forever thankful.” recertified stewards. The “Upgrade regularly and glad to be an SIU member. As for the recertification course, he thanked the school Wrapping up the graduations, Carlos, who sails from comments were made during you will give yourself the best “I’d also like to thank the instructors and staff here at the instructors and staff and added, “If there is one thing I’ve Jersey City, New Jersey, said he has “sailed to many ports all graduation speeches at the chance for advancement. Also school for all they do,” he continued. “And I thank the union learned in this industry, it’s that in order to be relevant and over the world” since joining the union in 2000. school. remember you are ambassa- leadership for all their hard work in protecting and securing competitive, you need to arm yourself with knowledge and “I’ve been to Beijing, China, where I visited the Great dors for our industry and our our jobs. It’s a different ballgame behind the curtain at head- skills that only school can provide. Wall,” he stated. “I also went to Japan, to Hiroshima, and the “Study hard and learn union.” quarters – our union leadership is always at work protecting “I would like to give my personal thanks to the union’s list goes on. There aren’t many places I haven’t been to, and from your instructors. Work Gilbert Louis our jobs. Now I can finally say I understand the importance leadership for all their hard work on our behalf to promote that is just part of what this job has done for my life.” together with your classmates. of SPAD and why it’s so important for all of us to donate.” the common interest of this union in protecting our industry Similarly, Carlos said his time in Piney Point “has been Have a positive attitude and “Study hard while you are Another frequent upgrader, Jones said, “I’ve always ap- and our jobs,” he continued. “In return, our officials need our wonderful to say the least. The instructors here are the best.” stay focused. When you go to here. Learn from your instruc- preciate the opportunity to attend the school, and needless to help.” Recalling a challenging upbringing, he continued, “If it sea, work hard, be responsible, tors and don’t be afraid to ask say, it has always worked to my advantage. My overall expe- weren’t for this union, I don’t know where my life would be. enjoy your work and do it with questions. Always have a posi- rience at Piney Point was great, as usual.” Lionel Packnett I used to work for corporations like the American Bureau of style and class. Never be afraid tive attitude and a willing heart “I have been part of the SIU since 1989 and I’m still going Shipping, Samsung Electronics, and Avis just to name a few, to ask questions, and always to learn. When you get out Sedell Mitchell Reynolds strong,” Packnett said as he began his graduation speech. but we had layoffs at all of those companies. I can tell you remember, where there is unity to sea, work hard, carry your Kicking off her speech on a spiritual note, Reynolds went “The union has been an important part of my life because it this: I have never worried about finding a job since I joined there is strength.” load, enjoy every moment and on to say she joined the union in 2005 and currently ships has helped me to be a strong provider for my family and gave this union.” Verleshia Robinson most of all, MYUP – make your union proud!” “Do what you’re told and Joseph Welle work diligently, always as a team.” “When you go out to the Richard Jones ships, have some confidence in what you were trained to do “Study, work hard, keep by your instructors. Work hard your faith and hang onto the and do your best. Don’t be promise. At the end, it will be afraid to ask questions.” an exciting, rewarding experi- Lionel Packnett ence. Donate to SPAD and don’t forget to upgrade.” “You have a great opportu- Sedell Mitchell Reynolds nity here at Piney Point. You are here to become a United “Work hard and put ef- States Merchant Mariner, and fort in all that you do. When that is something to be proud I started, I spoke only a few of…. You will make good words of English. I had to money, you will see the world work hard in the kitchen and and you will make new friends at my language, and now I am all over the world. This career able to communicate easily will take you far.” with my crew. Anything can Ernest Carlos Gilbert Louis Sedell Mitchell Reynolds Verleshia Robinson Students brush up on their computer skills for use in menu planning, inventory tracking, recipe filing and more. 12 Seafarers LOG May 2017 May 2017 Seafarers LOG 13 Spotlight on Mariner Health Information Regarding Irregular Heartbeats (Arrhythmias) An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) chest pain, check with your doctor. beat becomes irregular, such as in to do a stress test and echocardiogram has to do with rate and rhythm. In an When the irregular heartbeat hap- atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. to be sure the pumping action of the arrhythmia, the problems are with the pens, it can affect the pumping ability Whenever there is an interruption of heart is okay, and that you have good rate of the rhythm (either too fast or too of the heart and how much blood is the electrical pathway of the heart, cardiac output. slow) and the regularity of that rhythm. ejected with each contraction of the blood will not be ejected into the cir- When a Seafarer goes into a clinic We’ve all had times where we have heart muscle. The heart has an electri- culation for proper cardiac output. for exams, the doctor will listen to felt our heart skip a beat, or a fluttery cal system that controls the rate and Your body must have enough circula- the heartbeat for just this reason. feeling in our chest. Usually this is rhythm of the heartbeat. The heart- tion blood to carry oxygen in order for If it is very irregular, too fast or too not something to be concerned about. beat originates in the upper part of the cells to survive. slow, the doctor will have the Seafarer Most arrhythmias are not harmful. heart muscle, and the signal to con- If you do see your doctor for a follow up with his cardiac physician. However, if it continues to happen, tract the heart muscle runs down the problem like this, the physician will Remember that arrhythmias are or if you start to feel fatigued, dizzy, inside of the heart itself. do an EKG to check the status of extremely common and do occur as a lightheaded, short of breath, or have The problem arises when the heart your heart. He or she may even want person gets older.

1 quart pineapple juice, frozen concentrate 4. Grill the shrimp in batches with the red peppers. Healthy Recipe 1 quart water Add the grilled pineapples evenly to each 2” hotel pan. 5 tablespoons honey Hawaiian Shrimp 4 tablespoons cornstarch 5. Add the chopped cilantro and some of the prepared (Servings: 25) 1/2 cup cold water sauce to each pan of shrimp evenly.

10 pounds shrimp, 31-40 count peeled and deveined 1. Season the shrimp with the Mrs. Dash and let mari- Nutrition Information - Per serving (excluding un- 6 cups fresh pineapple, chopped nade overnight. known items): 346 calories; 4g Fat (11.7 percent 3 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning calories from fat); 38g protein; 37g carbohydrate; 1g 2 tablespoons olive oil 2. To make the sauce heat all the liquids together with dietary fiber; 276 mg cholesterol; 274mg sodium. Ex- 4 cups red peppers, chopped the honey in a large pot. Bring to a low boil and then changes: 0 grain (starch); 5 lean meat; 0 vegetable; 2 1 cup cilantro leaves, whole, chopped add a cornstarch surrey slowly, until desired thickness fruit; 0 fat; 0 other carbohydrates. is reached. Set aside; keep warm. Sauce Recipe (Provided by Paul Hall Center’s Harry Lundeberg School of 1 quart apple juice 3. Grill the pineapples, keep warm, set aside. Seamanship)

Millions of Americans Have Diabetes; H 1 in 4 Are Totally Unaware They Have it

More than 29 million people in the and American Indian/Alaska Native United States have diabetes, up from adults are about twice as likely to Discovering Discounts the previous estimate of 26 million in have diagnosed diabetes as non-His- 2010, according to a 2014 National panic white adults. Diabetes Statistics Report released to n 208,000 people younger than 20 the Centers for Disease Control and years have been diagnosed with dia- Prevention. One in four people with betes (type 1 or type 2). diabetes doesn’t know he or she has it. n 86 million adults aged 20 years Another 86 million adults – more and older have prediabetes. than one in three U.S. adults – have n The percentage of U.S. adults prediabetes, where their blood sugar with prediabetes is similar for non- levels are higher than normal but not Hispanic whites (35 percent), non- high enough to be classified as type Hispanic blacks (39 percent), and 2 diabetes. Without weight loss and Hispanics (38 percent). moderate physical activity, 15 percent Diabetes is a serious disease that to 30 percent of people with prediabe- can be managed through physical tes will develop type 2 diabetes within activity, diet, and appropriate use five years. of insulin and oral medications to Key findings from the report lower blood sugar levels. Another (based on health data from 2012), in- important part of diabetes manage- clude: ment is reducing other cardiovascu- n 29 million people in the United lar disease risk factors, such as high States (9.3 percent) have diabetes. blood pressure, high cholesterol and n 1.7 million people aged 20 years tobacco use. or older were newly diagnosed with For more information about dia- diabetes in 2012. betes and CDC’s diabetes prevention n Non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, efforts, visit www.cdc.gov/diabetes. AT&T CREDIT MORTGAGE CAR DISCOUNTS CARDS PROGRAM RENTAL H Attention Seafarers Check out the values online at our all new Another New Ship! website at unionplus.org/benefits

Contribute to the Seafarers Political Visit unionplus.org/bene ts Activities Donation

*15% ON THE MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE of QUALIFIED WIRELESS PLANS: Available only to current members of qualified AFL-CIO member unions, other authorized individuals associated with eligible unions and other sponsoring organizations with a qualifying agreement. Must provide acceptable proof of union membership such as a membership card from your local union, a pay stub showing dues deduction or the Union Plus Member Discount Card and subscribe to service under an individual account for which the member is personally liable. Offer contingent upon in-store verification of union member status. Discount subject to agreement between Union Privilege and AT&T and may be interrupted, changed or discontinued without notice. Discount applies only to recurring monthly service charge of qualified voice and data plans, not overages. Not available with unlimited voice or unlimited data plans. For Family Talk, applies only to primary line. For all Mobile Share plans, applies only to monthly plan charge of plans with 1GB or more, not to additional monthly device access charges. Additional restrictions apply. May take up to 2 bill cycles after eligibility confirmed and will not apply to prior charges. Applied after application of any available credit. May not be combined with other service discounts. Visit unionplus.org/att or contact AT&T at 866-499-8008 for details. **Certain restrictions, limitations, and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at UnionPlus.org/Assistance. Credit approval required. Terms and condi- SPAD tions apply. The Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A., pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Incorporated. Capital One N.A. is not responsible for the contents of this message and/or any ofthe other third party products/services mentioned. The MasterCard Brand Mark is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. 5/17 SPAD Works For You! SIU-FP-04-18-17

14 Seafarers LOG May 2017 May & June Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Membership Meetings March 16, 2017 - April 15, 2017

Piney Point...... Monday: May 8, June 5 Total Registered Total Shipped Registered on Beach Algonac...... Friday: May 12, June 9 All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups Port A B C A B C Reliefs A B C Baltimore...... Thursday: May 11, June 8 Deck Department Algonac 9 5 2 23 11 0 3 13 12 1 Guam...... Thursday: May 25, June 22 Anchorage 1 1 0 2 3 0 1 3 1 1 Honolulu...... Friday: May 19, June 16 Baltimore 6 5 2 4 3 2 4 6 4 1 Fort Lauderdale 17 10 4 14 3 2 8 28 26 7 Houston...... Monday: May 15, June 12 Guam 4 2 0 2 0 0 0 4 2 0 Harvey 15 1 6 11 2 3 6 22 0 8 Jacksonville...... Thursday: May 11, June 8 Honolulu 10 3 1 7 3 1 2 20 7 3 Houston 45 6 11 32 6 4 13 106 21 23 Joliet...... Thursday: May 18, June 15 Jacksonville 44 12 9 30 10 8 15 69 24 20 Mobile...... Wednesday: May 17, June 14 Jersey City 43 7 3 24 8 0 13 64 20 3 Joliet 1 0 2 4 1 1 0 1 2 1 New Orleans...... Tuesday: May 16, June 13 Mobile 10 3 3 14 2 2 8 16 3 4 Norfolk 18 15 1 16 15 1 9 24 26 3 Jersey City...... Tuesday: May 9, June 6 Oakland 15 4 4 10 3 1 0 34 9 3 Norfolk...... Thursday: May 11, June 8 Philadelphia 2 6 1 4 5 0 1 7 10 3 Piney Point 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 Oakland...... Thursday: May 18, June 15 Puerto Rico 6 3 0 1 3 0 2 13 12 0 Tacoma 40 9 3 27 6 2 13 63 16 8 Philadelphia...... Wednesday: May 10, June 7 St. Louis 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 5 2 Wilmington 26 9 4 20 6 1 3 40 16 4 Port Everglades...... Thursday: May 18, June 15 TOTALS 315 102 56 246 91 29 102 538 216 95 San Juan...... Thursday: May 11, June 8 Engine Department St. Louis...... Friday: May 19, June 16 Algonac 0 4 0 4 3 1 1 2 6 1 Anchorage 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Tacoma...... Friday: May 26, June 23 Baltimore 2 5 0 1 3 0 0 3 5 0 Wilmington...... Monday: May 22, June 19 Fort Lauderdale 6 4 1 6 2 1 2 16 2 2 Guam 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 Harvey 2 2 1 2 2 0 1 3 3 2 Honolulu 6 6 0 7 4 0 3 16 7 0 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m Houston 15 5 1 17 4 1 8 34 9 3 Jacksonville 24 11 3 20 9 2 5 35 18 1 Jersey City 12 13 0 7 5 0 4 21 13 1 Joliet 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 1 0 Personal Mobile 7 4 1 3 0 0 2 7 5 1 Norfolk 8 12 4 7 8 0 4 16 16 5 Dennis Ahearn would like to have his old friend Terry Oakland 11 4 1 7 3 0 3 17 6 1 McGauven contact him at (757) 678-7466 or denmara@out- Philadelphia 2 2 0 1 2 0 1 4 1 0 drs.net. They both lived in Long Island in the 1980s. Dennis Piney Point 1 12 1 0 2 1 0 0 12 1 taught scuba diving and Terry was in his class. Puerto Rico 1 3 0 2 0 1 0 5 8 6 Tacoma 15 5 2 8 3 2 4 29 14 1 St. Louis 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 Wilmington 10 6 1 13 5 1 3 17 29 5 TOTALS 126 100 17 108 57 10 42 229 158 31

Entry Department Algonac 0 2 3 2 9 2 1 0 10 6 Anchorage 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 2 Baltimore 1 3 3 1 1 2 0 0 2 1 Fort Lauderdale 1 6 3 1 0 4 1 2 11 6 Guam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Harvey 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 3 2 Honolulu 1 5 5 0 3 1 0 3 7 9 Houston 4 8 6 4 4 1 1 4 25 8 Jacksonville 3 6 30 2 7 23 4 5 16 51 Jersey City 3 17 6 1 6 4 3 6 28 13 Joliet 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Mobile 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 4 Norfolk 1 16 12 2 11 14 0 0 17 17 Oakland 1 7 10 1 6 4 3 2 15 11 Philadelphia 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 Piney Point 0 0 3 0 1 1 1 0 2 2 Puerto Rico 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 Tacoma 5 1 8 3 8 5 5 4 20 17 St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Wilmington 4 5 15 1 5 9 0 8 20 57 TOTALS 25 80 108 20 65 71 20 36 183 209

Steward Department Algonac 2 1 0 2 2 0 2 7 2 0 Anchorage 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 Baltimore 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 Fort Lauderdale 8 5 0 15 3 0 7 17 2 1 Guam 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 Harvey 3 1 0 4 0 0 2 8 1 0 Honolulu 11 0 1 3 0 0 1 20 0 1 Houston 15 3 1 19 2 0 9 36 6 2 Jacksonville 24 7 0 13 2 1 6 32 16 0 Jersey City 6 2 0 4 2 0 1 14 5 0 Joliet 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 Mobile 4 1 1 1 0 0 0 6 2 1 Norfolk 14 11 0 9 9 1 2 28 17 1 Oakland 12 3 2 9 5 0 3 32 3 3 Philadelphia 0 1 0 3 1 1 2 2 0 1 Piney Point 3 1 0 5 2 0 0 2 0 0 Puerto Rico 2 1 1 0 3 0 2 2 5 1 Contribute to Tacoma 13 2 1 11 0 1 3 20 4 2 St. Louis 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 Wilmington 14 5 5 9 2 0 6 28 9 8 SPAD TOTALS 133 48 12 111 35 4 46 266 75 21 (Seafarers Political Activities Donation) GRAND TOTAL: 599 330 193 485 248 114 210 1,069 632 356

May 2017 Seafarers LOG 15 Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer

Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President This month’s question was answered by apprentices at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What are some parts of the world you hope to see in your work-related travels and why? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Devin DelVecchio Kevin Franklin Vice President Government Services Phase 1 Phase III I really want to visit Barcelona to Italy is pretty high on my list of HEADQUARTERS see the Gothic architecture, France places I want to visit, right up there 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 for the food, and Dubai to take in the with Ecuador. I’ve previously been to (301) 899-0675 culture. I’d also love to go to Scot- Belgium, Germany and the UK, and land, for the landscapes and scenery. I’d love to go back to those places as ALGONAC well. 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 Scott Forrer (907) 561-4988 Phase 1 Kyle Savage BALTIMORE I’d like to see Thailand, and re- Phase III 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 ally experience the different culture. Australia is my number one, fol- (410) 327-4900 I’d also love to visit New Zealand lowed by Singapore and Italy – any- where I can meet interesting people GUAM someday. I’ve been to Mexico, Japan and South Korea, and I would revisit and experience new cultures. I was P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 on the Pride of America in Hawaii, Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B those countries any day. I actually have family in South Korea, and it and that was great, but I’d love to see 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 more of the world. (671) 477-1350 would be nice to visit them. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON Austin Bobo 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 Dion Cheeseborough Phase I (713) 659-5152 Phase III Off the top of my head, Italy, Australia and New Zealand are my JACKSONVILLE I really want to visit Dubai. It’s such an exciting place, with a vi- top choices. I want to experience the 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 food and cultures of those places, as (904) 281-2622 brant, opulent culture. I’ve previ- ously visited Egypt through working well as the scenery and to visit the JERSEY CITY on a ship, and I’d gladly go back. Great Barrier Reef. I’ve been to the 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 Caribbean, and I’d love to go back. (201) 434-6000

JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE Pic From The Past 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 In this photo from Nov. 3, 1968 in New Orleans, crew members from the SIU-contracted New Yorker receive a plaque for winning WILMINGTON that year’s “Safest Ship” award for Sea-Land fleet. Pictured from left to right are Chief Engineer James Prendergast, Chief Mate 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 Fred Boer, SIU Patrolman Tom Gould, Sea-Land Safety Engineer Bob Snow, vessel master Capt. Adam Torres, and Seafarers (310) 549-4000 Ramon Benitez (BR) and Isadore Henry (messman).

If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to [email protected]

16 Seafarers LOG May 2017 Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland water- ways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead.

DEEP SEA Brother Ligon en- Brother Pellerin shipped on the ROGELIO YBARRA Brother Jerolleman worked in both hanced his skills Horizon Enterprise. He calls Pearl the engine and deck departments. He on two occasions City, Hawaii, home. Brother Rogelio Ybarra, 58, began lives in his native state, Louisiana. HAROLD BRYAN at the Piney Point his seafaring career in 1978. He initially sailed with Brother Harold Bryan, 69, became school. He worked in the engine de- JAMIE QUINONES Connecticut Trans- BOBBY KIRK a Seafarer in 2004. The engine port Inc. Brother department mem- partment and re- Brother Jamie Quinones, 65, donned Brother Bobby Kirk, 62, donned the sides in Seattle. Ybarra upgraded ber initially sailed the SIU colors in 1973. He enhanced numerous times at SIU colors in 1974. with Maersk Line, his skills numer- the maritime train- He spent most of Limited. In 2002, his career aboard RUBIN MITCHELL ous times at the ing center in Piney Brother Bryan Piney Point school. Point, Maryland. G&H Towing ves- upgraded at the Brother Rubin Mitchell, 65, started A member of the He worked in the sels. Brother Kirk Paul Hall Center. sailing with the SIU in 1973. He steward department, engine department. was a deck depart- He last shipped first shipped with Transeastern Brother Quinones Brother Ybarra’s final ship was the ment member. He aboard the USNS Shipping. Brother initially worked Overseas Chinook. He is a resident makes his home Watson. Brother Bryan was born Mitchell attended aboard the John of Texas City, Texas. in Montgomery, in Seattle and now calls Poulsbo, classes on several B. Waterman. He Texas. Washington, home. occasions at the was born in Puerto INLAND Paul Hall Center. Rico. Before his retirement, Brother He sailed in the Quinones sailed on the Panama. GREGORY LEBEL JOHNNY CARSON deck department. He makes his home in Bronx, New DAVID ANDRISEK Brother Gregory Lebel, 63, signed Brother Johnny Carson, 65, Brother Mitch- York. on with the union in 1979. He first ell’s final trip to Brother David An- joined the union in 1998. He drisek, 65, started sailed with Inter- first shipped aboard the USNS sea was on the Maersk Chicago. state Oil Transpor- OSMAN RAJI sailing with the Invincible. Brother Carson at- He continues to live in his native tation Company. state, Florida. SIU in 1994. He tended classes in 2001 at the Brother Osman Raji, 69, signed was primarily em- Brother Lebel was union-affiliated school in Piney on with the SIU in 1978. His first ployed with G&H a deck depart- Point, Maryland. He worked in ment member; he GEBAR OGBE ship was the Cove Towing. Brother the engine department. Brother Engineer; his last, Andrisek sailed in upgraded on two Carson concluded his career on Brother Gebar Ogbe, 65, began his the Ltc. John U.D. the deck depart- occasions in Piney the Global Sentinel. He settled in seafaring career in 1982. He ini- Page. Brother Raji ment. He makes his home in Texas Point, Maryland. Bellingham, Washington. tially sailed aboard was a member of City, Texas. Prior to his retire- the Overseas the deck depart- ment, he worked aboard a Penn Boston. Brother ment. He attended Maritime vessel. Brother Lebel re- RONALD CHARLES Ogbe upgraded classes twice at the ALBERT BURNS sides in Phippsburg, Maine. frequently at the Piney Point school. Brother Ronald Charles, 61, Brother Albert began sailing with the SIU in maritime training Brother Raji resides in New York. center in Piney Burns, 62, signed MICHAEL MAIN 1979. He origi- on with the union nally was em- Point, Maryland. Brother Michael Main, 62, began He worked in the JIMMIE REDDICK in 1973. He mostly ployed by Cove shipped with Inter- his SIU career in 1978. He initially Shipping Com- engine department. Brother Jimmie Reddick, 65, shipped in the deep- Brother Ogbe’s last ship was the state Oil Transpor- pany. Brother became an SIU member in 1992. tation Company. sea division on the Charles enhanced USNS Mendonca. He is a resident His first trip was Del Oro. Brother of Seattle. Brother Burns his skills often at aboard the USNS worked in the Main attended the SIU-affiliated Capella. A mem- deck department. classes twice at the school in Piney Paul Hall Center. FRANK OVERSTREET ber of the stew- In 1976, he attended classes at the Point, Maryland. ard department, Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney He last sailed on a He was born in New Orleans and Brother Frank Overstreet, 67, be- Brother Reddick Point, Maryland. Brother Burns Crowley Towing sailed in the deck department. came a union member in 1968. He upgraded often at lives in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania. and Transportation Brother Charles’ last vessel was started his career working aboard the Paul Hall Cen- of Wilmington ves- the Resolve. He lives in Harvey, the Dauntless. Brother Overstreet ter. He last shipped sel. Brother Main was a member of Louisiana. sailed in the engine department. on the Observation HENRY GAMP the engine department. He lives in In 1968, he took advantage of Island. Brother Reddick is a resi- San Pedro, California. educational opportunities available dent of Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Henry Gamp, 67, joined the ALPHONSO DIXON at the Piney Point school. Brother SIU in 1974. He initially sailed with JOHN SARTOR Brother Alphonso Dixon, 60, Overstreet’s most recent trip was PETER SCHMITT Delaware River joined the union in 1986. He was on the Consumer. He resides in Brother John Sartor, 53, became an Jacksonville, Florida. Barge. Brother initially employed on the USNS Brother Peter Schmitt, 63, started Gamp worked in SIU member in 1986. He originally Dutton. Brother Dixon worked shipping with the union in 1985. the deck depart- worked with Dixie in the steward department. He Carriers. Brother RODULFO PARDILLA Brother Schmitt ment. He upgraded attended classes on numerous oc- initially worked often at the Sartor shipped in casions at the Paul Hall Center in Brother Rodulfo Pardilla, 66, in the inland Seafarers-affiliated both the deck and Piney Point, Maryland. Brother joined the SIU ranks in 2000. His division with school. Brother Gamp’s final trip engine depart- Dixon’s most recent trip was first ship was the Lt. Col. Calvin Crowley Towing was aboard a Penn Maritime Inc. ments. He was last aboard the Maui. He is a resident P. Titus; his last, & Transportation vessel. He calls Harrison, Tennes- employed on the In- of San Leandro, California. the USNS Curtiss. of Jacksonville. see, home. novation. Brother Brother Pardilla, He sailed in the Sartor calls Neder- a native of the steward depart- land, Texas, home. MARK LANCE Philippines, was ment and enhanced his seafaring EDWIN GARCIA NEGRON Brother Mark Lance, 65, signed a member of the skills frequently at the SIU- GREAT LAKES steward depart- affiliated school. Brother Schmitt Brother Edwin on with the SIU Garcia Negron, 62, in 1974. He origi- ment. He attended last shipped aboard the Maersk classes often at the Denver. He lives in Paradise, Cali- donned the SIU FLOYD LARSON nally worked on colors in 1976. He maritime training center in Piney fornia. a vessel operated was mainly em- Brother Floyd Larson, 56, signed Point, Maryland. Brother Pardilla by Hudson Water- ployed with Crow- on with the SIU in 1979. One of his ways Corporation. lives in National City, California. DAVID WERDA ley Puerto Rico. first ships was the Brother Lance up- Brother Garcia Delta Venezuela. graded twice at the WAGNER PELLERIN Brother David Werda, 57, joined Negron sailed in the Brother Larson at- maritime training the Seafarers in 1978. He first deck department. He is a resident of tended numerous center in Piney Point, Maryland. Pensioner Wagner Pellerin, 67, shipped on the Kissimmee, Florida. classes at the Paul He was a member of the deck began shipping with the union USNS Potomac. Hall Center. The department. Brother Lance’s last in 1982. He Brother Werda at- engine department trip was on the Liberty Glory. He originally worked tended classes in DONALD JEROLLEMAN member finished makes his home in Chico, Cali- aboard the Inde- 2007 at the union- his career on the Brother Donald fornia. pendence. Brother affiliated school in Burns Harbor. Brother Larson is a Jerolleman, 66, Pellerin upgraded Piney Point, Mary- resident of Superior, Wisconsin. started shipping frequently at the land. He worked with the union in PAUL LIGON maritime training in the engine de- 1980. He primarily center in Piney partment. Brother Brother Paul Ligon, 65, donned sailed with Crescent Point, Maryland. Werda concluded his career aboard the union colors in 1973. His first Towing & Salvage He sailed in the steward depart- the Buffalo. He continues to reside ship was the Overseas Evelyn; his of New Orleans. most recent, the OMI Columbia. ment. Prior to his retirement, in his native state, Michigan. May 2017 Seafarers LOG 17 Final Departures

DEEP SEA aboard the Point Judy. He was a 2001 when the NMU merged into shipped on a G&H He was an engine department resident of Jacksonville, Florida. the Seafarers International Union. Towing company member. Brother JONES ARD He was born in vessel. Brother Hammer started AUDLEY GREEN Galveston, Texas, Breaux starting collecting his Pensioner Jones Ard, 77, died and shipped in the collecting his pen- retirement pay in February 20. Born in Michigan, Pensioner Audley Green, 78, died deck department. sion in 1997. He 2008. He lived in he became a union January 29. He began his seafaring Brother Knox last lived in Houston. Tonawanda, New member in 1996. career in 1980. Brother Green’s worked on the York. Brother Ard’s first first ship was the Seakay Spirit. He ALEJO COLLAZO trip was aboard Cove Ranger; his became a pen- NATIONAL the Del Mundo. last was the Con- Pensioner Alejo Collazo, 84, sioner in 2016 and lived in Chan- MARITIME UNION He finished his sumer. He sailed nelview, Texas. passed away January 29. He career working on in the steward de- became a union the Ambassador. partment. Brother member in 1976. STEPHEN BOHNE Brother Ard began Green started JOHN MORRIS Brother Collazo Pensioner Stephen Bohne, 74, collecting his pension in 1996. receiving his pen- Pensioner John Morris, 84, died primarily sailed passed away December 14. The deck department member sion in 2003. He November 20. He began sailing in the steward Brother Bohne was born in Los called Nancy, Kentucky, home. resided in Honduras. with the SIU in 1986. Brother department with Angeles. He went on pension in Morris initially sailed aboard the Crowley Puerto 2007 and called Florida home. EUGENIO CABRAL SANTOS GUITY USNS Assurance. The New York Rico. The Puerto native worked in the deck depart- Rico-born mariner Brother Eugenio Cabral, 64, Pensioner Santos Guity, 72, JUAN CABREJA ment. Brother Morris’s final ves- went on pension in 1994. Brother Pensioner Juan Cabreja, 82, passed away November 16. Born passed away December 29. He sel was the USNS Assertive. He Collazo resided in Coconut in the Philippines, he joined the started sailing with the union died December 13. Born in the retired in 1997 and settled in St. Creek, Florida. Dominican Republic, Brother Ca- SIU in 1994. Brother Cabral in 1998. Brother Guity initially Petersburg, Florida. shipped as a member of the stew- sailed on the USNS Wright. The breja became a pensioner in 1993. ard department. His first vessel Honduras native worked in the MICHAEL DOWNEY He settled in Islip, New York. was the Independence; his last, steward department. Brother Gu- OMER OMER Pensioner Michael Downey, the Midnight Sun. Brother Ca- ity’s final vessel was the Green Pensioner Omer Omer, 76, 73, died December 7. Brother EARL CHAPITAL bral made his home in Bellevue, Cove. He retired in 2015 and passed away December 29. Downey started sailing with the Pensioner Earl Chapital, 92, Washington. settled in New York. Brother Omer became a Seafarer SIU in 1979. passed away December 21. in 1968. He originally worked He was initially Brother Chapital was a native HECTOR DUARTE LEE HARMASON on the Alcoa Explorer. Brother employed with of Louisiana. He began collect- Omer was a Yemen native and Mariner Towing. ing his retirement pay in 1986. Pensioner Hector Duarte, 94, died Pensioner Lee Harmason, 84, shipped in the engine department. Brother Downey November 10. He started ship- died December 23. Brother Har- Brother Chapital resided in At- His last ship was the Horizon Ha- sailed in the deck lanta. ping with the Seafarers in 1951. mason became an SIU member waii. Brother Omer went on pen- department. He Brother Duarte in 1994. His first trip was aboard sion in 2004 and made his home last worked with initially worked the USNS Potomac. Brother in Brooklyn, New York. Penn Maritime Inc. Brother ESTEBAN CLEMENTE with Cabin Tanker Harmason concluded his seafar- Downey became a pensioner in Pensioner Esteban Clemente, 91, Industries. He ing career working on the Sealift MURRAY ROBERSON 2005 and made his home in St. died December sailed in the en- Atlantic. He began collecting his Petersburg, Florida. 27. He was born gine department. pension in 1997. The steward de- Pensioner Murray Roberson, 64, in Puerto Rico. Brother Duarte partment member made his home died December 10. Brother Rob- LEROY DURRANCE Brother Clemente last shipped in Port Arthur, Texas. erson joined the SIU in 1972. He started receiving aboard the Bayamon. He became originally sailed on the Walter Pensioner Leroy Durrance, 81, compensation for a pensioner in 1984 and lived in WILLIAM HAWKINS Rice. Brother Roberson con- passed away January 5. He joined his retirement in Jarrettsville, Maryland. cluded his seafaring career aboard the union in 1981. 1967. He was a Pensioner William Hawkins, the APL Pearl. A member of the Brother Durrance 93, passed away January 5. He resident of Arverne, New York. PETER FRIGOLETTI engine department, he started mainly shipped joined the union in 1979. Brother receiving his retirement compen- with Great Lakes Brother Peter Frigoletti, 68, Hawkins was born in Missouri sation in 2015. Brother Roberson Dredge & Dock as JOSEPH LAWRENCE passed away September 7. He and first sailed on the Del Oro. called Washington, North Caro- a member of the Pensioner Joseph Lawrence, 91, joined the SIU in 2001 during the Brother Hawkins concluded his lina, home. steward depart- passed away December 1. The SIU/NMU merger. Brother Frigo- seafaring career aboard the Spirit. ment. The Florida- Iota, Louisiana, native went on letti was born in New York. He A member of the steward depart- HUGH WELLS born mariner retired in 1998. pension in 1968. Brother Law- was a deck department member. ment, he started collecting his Brother Durrance called Ellabell, rence made his home in Beau- Brother Frigoletti’s final ship was retirement compensation in 1992. Pensioner Hugh Wells, 90, passed Georgia, home. mont, Texas. the Courage. He settled in Rich- Brother Hawkins called San away January 2. He signed on mond Hill, New York. Francisco home. with the union in 1951. Brother Wells initially JOHN HYSLOP PHELIX SIMS JOSEPH GIARDINA JOHN HIGGINS worked with Pensioner John Hyslop, 93, died Pensioner Phelix Sims, 84, died Sprogue Steam- January 24. Born in Virginia, he December 10. He was a native of Pensioner Joseph Pensioner John Higgins, 89, died ship Company. He joined the SIU in 1961. Brother Nebraska. Brother Sims began Giardina, 89, February 1. Brother Higgins signed was born in Gulf- Hyslop worked as a member collecting his pension in 1984. He died December 9. on with the SIU in 1952, initially port, Mississippi, of the engine department. He lived in Long Beach, California. Brother Giardina working in the inland division with and shipped in initially was employed with was born in Italy. Blidberg Roth- the engine depart- Pennsylvania Railroad Port of Name Age DOD He sailed in the child Company. ment. Prior to his Norfolk. Brother Hyslop was Alvarado, Daniel 90 Oct. 16 engine depart- He sailed in the retirement in 1988, Brother Wells last employed with Penn Central Chevere, Jose 84 Nov. 15 ment. Brother deck department sailed aboard the Newark. He was Transportation. He began receiv- Cruz, Purification 85 Dec. 13 Giardina retired in 1970 and con- and was a native a resident of Little Elm, Texas. ing his in pension in 1984 and Georgopoulos, Peter 91 Oct. 20 Harris, Hanson 76 Oct. 18 tinued to reside in Italy. of Massachusetts. was a resident of Exmore, Vir- INLAND Henriquez, Elias 78 Nov. 22 Prior to Brother ginia. LEE GILLAIN Higgins’ retire- Lowery, Ernest 89 Nov. 28 ment in 1987, he sailed aboard the GREAT LAKES Montgomery, Austin 88 Sept. 26 Pensioner Lee Gillain, 74, passed NELSON BREAUX Economy. He was a resident of Navilio, Anthony 93 Nov. 6 away December 28. Brother Gil- Pensioner Nelson Breaux, 79, died Rigsby, Rufus 90 Nov. 21 Stoneham, Massachusetts. lain signed on with the SIU in January 29. He began his SIU ROBERT HAMMER Washington, Fred 92 Nov. 12 1960, when he sailed on the Twin career in 1962, originally sailing Pensioner Robert Hammer, 75, Falls. He worked in the engine JOHN KNOX with Coyle Lines Inc. Brother passed away December 26. Brother department and was a native of Pensioner John Knox, 69, passed Breaux was an engine department Hammer signed on with the SIU Florida. Prior to Brother Gillain’s away January 20. Brother Knox member and a native of Rayne, in 1962 and primarily worked with retirement in 2013, he sailed first donned the SIU colors in Louisiana. He most recently Great Lakes Towing Company. 18 Seafarers LOG May 2017 The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Digest of Shipboard Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ Union Meetings minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.

EVERGREEN STATE (Crowley), hand. He also talked about STCW ment. No beefs or disputed OT February 19 – Chairman Rob- requirements, and use of member reported. Crew made suggestions ert Pagan, Secretary Robert M. portal for direct deposit, medical for next contract and also discussed With Seafarers Aboard the Isla Bella Mensching, Educational Director information and more. Secretary protocols for informing people Marcus Gramby. Steward Delegate encouraged mariners to update about time off. Nathalie Norie. Chairman reminded beneficiary cards and pay dues at crew members that everyone is union halls. No beefs or disputed OVERSEAS ANACORTES (OSG), responsible for vessel sanitation. OT reported. Correspondence from March 3 – Chairman Felsher Bea- Educational director urged mariners George Tricker, vp of contracts, sley, Secretary Dana Paradise, to check expiration dates of all docu- was read and discussed. Sugges- Educational Director Cary Pratts, ments. Members were encouraged tion was made to increase pension Engine Delegate Julio Zapata. to enhance their skills at Paul Hall benefits. Chairman went over safety Chairman noted new tonnage due Center for Maritime Training and protocols involving x-band radia- out soon and also mentioned Paul Education in Piney Point, Maryland, tion. New TV and sofas are in crew Hall Center upgrading courses are to excel in their positions. Treasurer lounge. Next port: Honolulu. listed in LOG. He reiterated impor- reported $500 in ship’s fund. No tance of shipboard safety and com- beefs or disputed OT reported. It HORIZON KODIAK (Matson), plimented crew for doing a good was noted that small drier was not March 21 – Chairman Garry D. job in that regard. Secretary noted working properly. Request was Walker, Secretary Lovie L. Perez, availability of various forms. Edu- made for internet aboard vessel. Educational Director Donald D. cational director reminded everyone Steward department was thanked Williams, Deck Delegate Shawn to keep up with STCW require- for great food. Next ports: Valdez, M. Strand, Engine Delegate Jan ments as well as expiration dates on Alaska and Nikiski, Alaska. Haidir. Chairman urged members documents. He also encouraged fel- to pay union dues on time and con- low mariners to upgrade. No beefs HOUSTON (USS Transport), tribute to SPAD. Secretary talked or disputed OT reported. Vessel February 17 – Chairman Carlos about SIU portal and reminded Sea- needs new mattresses. Next port: A. Arauz, Secretary Velicia D. farers that vacation checks can now Corpus Christi, Texas. Williams, Educational Director be direct deposited. Educational di- Jorge A. Lawrence, Deck Delegate rector advised mariners to enhance OVERSEAS CHINOOK (OSG), Octavio Ruiz, Steward Delegate skills at union-affiliated maritime March 1 – Chairman Allan Oculam, Abdulla Gobah. Bosun reiterated training center in Piney Point, Secretary Jack Hart, Educational need for members to keep an eye Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT Director Rickey Yancey, Deck on document expiration dates and reported. President’s report from Delegate George Godiciu, Engine upgrade at the Piney Point school. Seafarers LOG was read. Recom- Delegate Darwin Pike, Steward No beefs or disputed OT reported. mendations were made to increase Delegate Wilfred Lambey. Chair- President’s report from Seafarers wages and pension benefits. Re- man announced payoff at sea. He Pictured in mid-April aboard the Tote-operated Isla Bella are (from LOG was read and posted. Crew quest was made for internet service thanked everyone for job well done left) QEE Angel Hernandez, SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware and Bosun members were reminded to help for all crew members. Next ports: and keeping ship safe. Secretary John Cedeno. keep vessel clean. Tacoma, Washington; Anchorage, thanked crew for helping keep house Alaska; and Kodiak, Alaska. and rooms clean. Educational di- SBX-1 (TOTE), February 19 – rector reminded everyone to keep neth Abrahamson, Secretary stressed need to keep paperwork Chairman Weldon J. Heblich, LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Mari- up with expiration dates on docu- Glenn Toledo, Educational Direc- updated. Educational director Secretary Larry D. Pugh, Educa- time), March 5 – Chairman Lionel ments, and also go to Piney Point to tor Criseldo Espinosa, Deck Dele- recommended upgrading in Piney tional Director David L. Garrett, Rivas, Secretary Teresito Reyes, upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT gate Adel Shaibi, Engine Delegate Point for job security. No beefs or Deck Delegate Nathan C. Shu- Deck Delegate Albert Konning, reported. Crew reacted positively to Sebastian Krowicki, Steward disputed OT reported. Washing ford, Engine Delegate Crescenico Engine Delegate Roldan Dela SIU President Michael Sacco’s LOG Delegate John Bennett. Chairman machine has been repaired. Crew Gonzalez, Steward Delegate Regie Rosa, Steward Delegate Henry column reporting new tonnage en- talked about various document re- thanked steward department and Ignacio. Chairman reminded crew Commager. Chairman announced tering American-flag fleet. Still need newals and availability of one-day OS for good work. They made sug- that SPAD (Seafarers Political Ac- expected arrival in port March coffee machines in both mess halls. BT revalidation class that’s avail- gestions for improving medical tivity Donation) was voluntary. He 7. He reminded members to prep able. He emphasized importance of benefits and reducing co-pays and discussed upcoming crew change rooms and leave keys. Secretary OVERSEAS LOS ANGELES shipboard safety. Secretary noted deductibles. Next port: Richmond, and what needed to be done before- noted smooth operations in depart- (OSG), March 8 – Chairman Ken- plentiful job opportunities and also California. Know Your Rights

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitu- Augustin Tellez, Chairman capacity in the SIU unless an official union SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and In- Seafarers Appeals Board receipt is given for same. Under no circum- proceeds are used to further its objects and land Waters District/NMU makes specific 5201 Auth Way stances should any member pay any money purposes including, but not limited to, fur- provision for safeguarding the membership’s Camp Springs, MD 20746 for any reason unless he is given such re- thering the political, social and economic money and union finances. The constitution ceipt. In the event anyone attempts to re- interests of maritime workers, the preser- requires a detailed audit by certified public ac- Full copies of contracts as referred to are quire any such payment be made without vation and furthering of the American mer- countants every year, which is to be submitted available to members at all times, either by supplying a receipt, or if a member is re- chant marine with improved employment to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers quired to make a payment and is given an of- opportunities for seamen and boatmen and A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file Appeals Board. ficial receipt, but feels that he or she should the advancement of trade union concepts. members, elected by the membership, each not have been required to make such pay- In connection with such objects, SPAD sup- year examines the finances of the union and CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU con- ment, this should immediately be reported ports and contributes to political candidates reports fully their findings and recommenda- tracts are available in all SIU halls. These to union headquarters. for elective office. All contributions are vol- tions. Members of this committee may make contracts specify the wages and conditions untary. No contribution may be solicited or dissenting reports, specific recommendations under which an SIU member works and lives CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND received because of force, job discrimina- and separate findings. aboard a ship or boat. Members should know OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con- tion, financial reprisal, or threat of such con- their contract rights, as well as their obliga- stitution are available in all union halls. All duct, or as a condition of membership in the TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU tions, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the members should obtain copies of this consti- union or of employment. If a contribution is Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, tution so as to familiarize themselves with made by reason of the above improper con- administered in accordance with the provisions at any time, a member believes that an SIU its contents. Any time a member feels any duct, the member should notify the Seafar- of various trust fund agreements. All these patrolman or other union official fails to pro- other member or officer is attempting to de- ers International Union or SPAD by certified agreements specify that the trustees in charge tect their contractual rights properly, he or prive him or her of any constitutional right mail within 30 days of the contribution for of these funds shall equally consist of union she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. or obligation by any methods, such as deal- investigation and appropriate action and re- and management representatives and their al- ing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all fund, if involuntary. A member should sup- ternates. All expenditures and disbursements of EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA- other details, the member so affected should port SPAD to protect and further his or her trust funds are made only upon approval by a FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradi- immediately notify headquarters. economic, political and social interests, and majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial tionally has refrained from publishing any American trade union concepts. records are available at the headquarters of the article serving the political purposes of any EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are various trust funds. individual in the union, officer or member. guaranteed equal rights in employment and NOTIFYING THE UNION. If at any It also has refrained from publishing articles as members of the SIU. These rights are time a member feels that any of the above SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s ship- deemed harmful to the union or its collec- clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and rights have been violated, or that he or she ping rights and seniority are protected exclu- tive membership. This established policy in the contracts which the union has negoti- has been denied the constitutional right of sively by contracts between the union and the has been reaffirmed by membership action ated with the employers. Consequently, no access to union records or information, the employers. Members should get to know their at the September 1960 meetings in all con- member may be discriminated against be- member should immediately notify SIU shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are stitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea- cause of race, creed, color, sex, national or President Michael Sacco at headquarters by posted and available in all union halls. If mem- farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial geographic origin. certified mail, return receipt requested. The bers believe there have been violations of their board which consists of the executive board If any member feels that he or she is de- address is: shipping or seniority rights as contained in the of the union. The executive board may del- nied the equal rights to which he or she is contracts between the union and the employers, egate, from among its ranks, one individual entitled, the member should notify union Michael Sacco, President they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board to carry out this responsibility. headquarters. Seafarers International Union by certified mail, return receipt requested. The PAYMENT OF MONIES. No mon- SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIV- 5201 Auth Way proper address for this is: ies are to be paid to anyone in any official ITY DONATION — SPAD. Camp Springs, MD 20746 May 2017 Seafarers LOG 19 Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information

The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Title of Start Date of Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. Course Date Completion All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and pro- moting the American maritime industry. Engine Department Upgrading Courses Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at Advanced Refer Containers July 22 August 4 the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. BAPO May 20 June 16 Title of Start Date of July 15 August 11 Course Date Completion FOWT June 17 July 14 Gap Closing Courses August 12 September 8

Engineroom Resource Management June 3 June 9 Junior Engineer July 15 September 8\ October 7 December 1

Leadership and Managerial Skills June 10 June 16 Machinist September 9 September 29 October 28 November 3 Marine Electrician August 5 September 29

Deck Department Upgrading Courses Marine Refer Tech September 30 November 10

Able Seafarer Deck June 17 July 14 Pumpman September 30 October 6 August 12 September 8 October 7 November 3 Welding June 10 June 30 August 19 September 8 AB to Mate Modules Module dates vary throughout the year. Stu- dents will be advised of dates once accepted. Steward Department Courses

Advanced Meteorology August 26 September 1 Advanced Galley Ops June 19 July 14

Advanced Shiphandling August 5 August 18 Certified Chief Cook Modules run every other week. The next class will start May 15. Advanced Stability August 19 August 25 Chief Steward July 15 September 8 ARPA June 3 June 9 September 30 October 6 Galley Operations May 20 June 16

Bosun Recertification July 15 August 7 Galley Assessment Program (GAP) May 27 June 23

Crane Familiarization August 26 September 1 ServSafe June 3 June 9 October 21 October 27 Safety Upgrading Courses ECDIS July 1 July 7 August 26 September 1 Basic Training w/16hr FF May 27 June 2 October 14 October 20 June 10 June 16

Fast Rescue Boat May 20 May 26 Basic Training Revalidation June 2 June 2 June 24 June 30 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 24 June 30 GMDSS September 2 September 15 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 10 June 16 Lifeboat June 3 June 16 July 1 July 14 Government Vessels May 13 May 19 July 29 August 11 May 20 May 26

Radar Observer May 20 June 2 Medical Care Provider June 17 June 23 September 16 September 29 Tank Barge - DL October 21 October 27 Radar Renewal (one day) Contact the PHC Admissions Office Tank Ship Familiarization - DL/LG June 3 June 16 RFPNW May 20 June 16 July 15 August 11 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG June 17 June 23 September 9 October 6

UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION ______Name______Address ______Telephone (Home)______(Cell)______Date of Birth ______Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o ______If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ______Social Security #______Book #______Seniority______Department______LAST VESSEL: ______Rating: ______Home Port______E-mail______Date On: ______Date Off:______Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held______SIGNATURE ______DATE______o o Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if If yes, class # and dates attended ______you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your to (301) 994-2189. department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Train- I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this applica- ing and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, tion, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with ap- to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply plicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or for any benefits which might become due to me. activities. 5/17

20 Seafarers LOG May 2017 Paul Hall Center Classes

Water Survival Class #822 – The following Phase I apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 24: Alberto Luis Alvarez-Gonzalez, Melvin Cousin, Paul Hudgins, Welding – Three upgraders finished their requirements in this course March 17. Dave Paler, Marcus Reed, Dontrell Riddick, Deroyce Roquemore, Isaiah Thomas and Renita Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Derek Chestnut, Roy Porfiro Mar- Walker. Stan Beck, their instructor, is at the far left. tinez and Charles Toliver. Their instructor, Chris Raley, is at the far right.

Tank Ship Familiarization – Five Phase III apprentices completed their require- Tank Ship Familiarization – The following Phase III apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) ments in this course March 17. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: graduated from this course March 17: Adam Brundage, William Cannon, Dion Cheeseborough, Neil Donegan, Kevin Franklin, Morgan Hayes, Victor Manuel Rios Rodriguez, and Micah Ferreira, Arsenio Jenkins, Kyle Savage, Arlen Vernimo Jr., Hayden Vogt and Kyle William- Jose Javier Santos Montalvo. Upon the completion of their apprentice training, son. Each plans to work in the engine department of SIU-contracted vessels once they complete each plans to work in the deck department of union-contrated vessels. apprentice training.

Tank Ship Familiarization – Two Phase III apprentices, who hope to work in the steward de- partment aboard SIU-contracted vessels when they complete their training, graduated from this course March 1 and February 1 Thirteen Phase III apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Feb. 1: Eduardo Yesier respectively. They are Andres Tank Ship Familiarization – Centeno-Rosario, Timothy Chestnut, Nestor Antonio Costas Lugo, Kaila Foster, Madigan Gilligan, Frank McCracken, Christian Pagan-Villanuava, Brown (above) and VanNessa Joseph Parr, Ryan Raynor, Randy Shaw Jr., Edward Voskamp, Derek Willis and Mehdi Youssaf. Each plans to work in the deck department aboard Curd (below). union-contracted vessels once their training is completed.

Tank Ship Familiarization – The following Phase III ap- prentices (photo at left, in al- phabetical order) graduated from this course Feb. 1: Fran- cois Doucet III, Tarrell Jones, Clarence Kinson Jr., Gavin Kuehn Jr., Ross Morgan, Rob- ert Thomas, and Jason Up- shaw. Each plans to work in the engine department aboard SIU- contracted vessels after they complete their training.

May 2017 Seafarers LOG 21 Paul Hall Center Classes

Government Vessels (SUA) – Four individuals finished their re- GMDSS – Five upgraders enhanced their skills by completing this course Feb 2. Graduating (above, in alpha- quirements in this course Feb. 24. Those graduating (above, in betical order) were: Joshua Jayson Gonzalez, Edward Melvin Jr., Kirk Pegan, Harry Phillip and George Steube alphabetical order) were: Aulezus Zaundrya Andrews, Vanessa Os- III. Class instructor Patrick Schoenberger is at the far right. borne-Brumsey, Taylor Owings and Deja Watson.

Government Vessels – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) improved their BT Revalidation – Fourteen individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated skills when they graduated from this course Feb. 24: Kingdom Chiadikaobi Alozie, Linarys Castillo from this course Feb. 17: Patrick Coppola, John Diaz-Hernandez Jr., Felix Arce Ortiz, Randy Corey, Fernando Ibuyat Harber, Joel Harris, Brice Castillo Ilao, David Johnson Jr., Garcia, Diego Hatch, Mark Hoffman, Norman Hook, Arthur Marshall III, Marcel Donald Lumpkins, Thomas McNeal, Steven Riley, Michael Robinson, Ricardo Flores Salazar, Motley, Rang Van Nguyen, Michael Nicolosi, Ricardo Flores Salazar, Grazyna Derrick Siefke, Stephon Thompson and Marilou Toledo. Instructor Stan Beck is at the far right. Tomaszewska, Dexter Madrona Turija and Pedro Pablo Vega Caraballo. Wayne (Note : Not all are pictured.) Johnson Jr., their instructor, is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

BT (UP Basic Firefighting) – Twenty-one upgraders finished this class March 17. Graduating (left, in alphabetical order) were: Sheki Bradley, Bridget Burkhal- ter, Jose Juan Calix, Alexander Capellan, Rafael Angel Carde- nas Jr., Mauricio Castro, Michael Cushman, Rudolph Daniels, James Davison, Ricardo Ellis, Edward English, Roberto Tremor Flauta, Leonard Garretti, Darryl Jackson, Randell Cuares Pare- des, Lazaro Salvador Rivera Rodriguez, Walter Schoppe, Mo- hammed Lamin Sheriff, Deva- lence Smiley, Richard Salazar Torres and Daniel Zapata. In- structors John Thomas and Joe Zienda are at the far left and far right, respectively. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

BT (UP Basic Firefight- ing) – The following Sea- farers completed this course Feb. 24. Graduating (right, in alphabetical order) were: Katherine Anderson, Kent Arroyo, Susan Beach, Matthew Brown, Bridget Burkhalter, Cirilo Suazo Centeno, Vincent Chavez, Curtis Church, Brian Corp, Gerard Cox, Rudolph Daniels, Abdullah Falah, Kevin Harvey, Supattara Inthapanti, Algie Mayfield Jr., Deeanne Merriman, Rudy Danilo Oliva, Liliana Oliveros, Michael Poblete, Dindo Prellagera Refor- sado, Mary Slade, Thomas Smith and Amin Ali Zain. Instructor Wayne Jonson Jr. is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

22 Seafarers LOG May 2017 Paul Hall Center Classes

Chief Steward – A pair of Seafarers who sail in the UA to AS-D – Twelve individuals finished their requirements in this course March 3. Graduating (above, in alphabetical steward department upgraded their skills when they order) were: Zachary Ballard, Phillip Best, Auston Kekoa Billiot, Blake Braye, Tamara Cherry, Michael Dibelardino, Chas- graduated from this course March 24. Completing their tenay Dickerson, Tiffani Hernandez, Jasen Lapointe, Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus, Hiten Chinukumar Shrimankar and requirements were Benny Samosan (above, left) and Ol- Peter Dongkyu Suh. Instructor Tom Truitt is at the far left. ivia Mabuti Fisher-Macafe.

Advanced Self Unloading – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) gradu- Engine Room Resource Management – Five individuals completed this course Feb. ated from this course Feb. 17: Chris Ceyzyk, Fred Ellefsen, Clint Flora, Mark Getzmeyer, 24. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ernest Bullock Jr., Scott Hanson, Peter Morrison Jr., Gregory Shaughnessy and Ismail Salim Yahya. Don Jaegle, their in- David Quade II, Zachary Ross and Floyd Sanderson III. Instructor Freddie Toedtemeier structor, is at the far right. is at the far left.

Ship Construction & Basic Stability – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) finished this course Feb. 10: J.K Man- Basic Self Unloading – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course sfield Borden, Matthew Botterbusch, Kelly Doyle, Jason Hardy and Feb. 24: Ali Qaid Ahmed Alwaqedi, Douglas Bellmore, Justin Bellmore, Kyle Boos, Daniel Boye, Mark Feld- Saleh Mohamed Mothana. Alan Tupper, their instructor, is at the far haus, Karl Guenterberg, Bradley Hanson, Isaac Johnson, Wisam Mohsen-Ahmed Mesleh, Jerry Semper Jr. right. and Abdulla Ahmed Mohamed Suwaileh. Don Jaegle, their instructor, is at the far right.

Leadership & Management Skills – Five upgraders improved their skills by Magnetic & Gyro Compasses – Four individuals completed their requirements in this course completing this course March 3. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: March 3. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: J.K. Mansfield, Kelly Doyle, Jason Hardy Terrance Bader, Jermaine Crandell, Scott Hanson, David Quade II and Zachary and Saleh Mohamed Mothana. Instructor Patrick Schoenberger is at the far right. Ross. Their instructor, Freddie Toedtemeier, is at the far right. May 2017 Seafarers LOG 23 MAY 2017 VOLUME 79 NO.5 Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23

SIU CIVMARS Help Ensure Success Of ‘Comfort Exercise’

The Seafarers-crewed hospital ship USNS Comfort transits the Atlantic Ocean. (All photos by U.S. Navy photographer Bill Mesta)

embers of the SIU Government highly successful COMFEX 17.” so there was a steep learning curve. But the Services Division recently teamed When the hospital ship is called into ac- crew got ‘on plane’ very rapidly and per- Mup with other shipboard personnel tion, it carries approximately 1,200 crew formed wonderfully.” to successfully complete a quarterly exercise members and other personnel. Most of the The five-day COMFEX 17 included two aboard the Military Sealift Command (MSC) medical professionals on board spend much mass casualty drills, helicopter flight opera- hospital ship USNS Comfort. of their time at other Navy medical facilities. tions, and an abandon ship drill. According to the U.S. Navy, the Comfort “As such, when the bell rings, we have five “Even though COMFEX 17 was a train- arrived back at Naval Station Norfolk (Vir- days to bring everyone we need aboard and ing scenario, it highlighted how capable our ginia) after completing Comfort Exercise respond to a crisis,” Boswell explained. team really is,” said Cmdr. Shawn Brown, a (COMFEX) 17, on Feb. 24. COMFEX 17 The exercise included the use of “human nurse anesthetist aboard Comfort. “was an advanced-phase training exercise casualty simulators,” sophisticated manne- The crew of the Comfort also performed designed to prepare the crew for another exer- quins which help offer medical professionals a man overboard drill, fire response train- cise, Bold Alligator 17, which will take place and support personnel a realistic setting. ing, and a full medical inventory. During later this year,” the Navy reported. “The simulators have proven to be very the exercise, the vessel was crewed by COMFEX 17 was based on a multi-day valuable training aids for simulating medical approximately 400 U.S. Navy medical scenario that simulated the ship’s response to emergencies,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd professionals, support enablers, and civilian service members being wounded in combat Class Patrick Gravel of Naval Medical Center mariners (CIVMARs). during a U.S. Marine Corps amphibious as- Portsmouth’s Healthcare Simulation Center. USNS Comfort crew members perform a sault. The Seafarers-crewed Comfort was “These mannequins are more effective than wide variety of critical ships tasks including navi- required to receive casualties and provide acute traditional advanced medical training meth- gation, propulsion, water and electrical services. medical care. Some of the simulated trauma ods. The simulators are anatomically correct “The service members and civilians who the crew was faced with included amputations, when compared to human subjects, and have crew the Comfort are the best of the best,” severe burns, and extensive internal wounds. advanced to a level which leads to very accu- concluded Boswell. “Our people excelled A mooring winch is utilized to bring in lines “Our COMFEX was our last dress re- rate and efficient training.” during COMFEX 17 and we are ready for as the ship departs Naval Station Norfolk hearsal in preparation for the world’s largest According to the Navy, the Comfort has Bold Alligator 17.” (Virginia). amphibious war game, BA 17,” said Capt. three primary missions: at-sea mobile medi- Lanny Boswell, commanding officer of the cal support to warfighters, providing medical Comfort’s medical treatment facility. “The services to support U.S. disaster relief, and Comfort conducts a COMFEX quarterly assist humanitarian operations worldwide. and each is a training battery designed to “The Comfort is the largest Role III keep the medical personnel, support staff, medical facility afloat and its primary mis- and civil service mariners who serve aboard sion is to support the warfighter,” said Capt. USNS Comfort sharp. It is important for us to Paul Arp, head of the Comfort’s nursing conduct this quarterly training program to be department. “We are an agile ship and crew ready to respond wherever and whenever the with tremendous capabilities and profession- Navy needs us.” als who are ready to meet all of the Navy’s “We have built on the lessons the crew has requirements. The crew threw itself into the learned from previous COMFEXs,” added COMFEX 17 scenario and brought a very Boswell. “This exercise was the culmination diverse skill set to bear. For a large percent of turning those training experiences into a of the crew, this was their first COMFEX

Crew members lower a rigged hulled inflatable boat (above) during a man-overboard drill. In photo at immediate left, mariners secure a lifeboat after an abandon ship drill. CIVMARS aboard the Comfort guide the vessel’s ten- der (photo at right) back to the ship on Feb. 23. The tender was used to successfully test the platform’s ability to recover at-sea casualties, which was a criti- An HS-60 Sea Hawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Seven cal component of lands aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort. the exercise.